Conical Insertion Tool for Rehabilitation Liners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting tubular liners into underground or surface pipes for rehabilitation often result in stretching, wrinkling, bulging, or damage due to friction at the pipe entrance, leading to ineffective rehabilitation due to seam weaknesses in stitched liners or uneven stretching in seamless ones.
Innovation Solution
An insertion and guiding tool comprising a cylindrical and conical segment connected at their edges, with anchoring devices, that reduces the width of the tubular liner and guides it smoothly into the pipe, preventing damage and ensuring even insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tubular liner is pulled through the conduit entrance opening, then the liner can be inserted into the pipe for rehabilitation, but the liner experiences increased friction and dragging that causes stretching, wrinkling, and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conical insertion tool as an intermediary device between the tubular liner and the conduit entrance opening. This tool has a tapered surface that gradually reduces the width of the liner as it passes through, preventing the liner from dragging on the sharp edge of the opening. The conical tool acts as a mediator that distributes the contact force and guides the liner smoothly into the conduit, eliminating the harmful friction and dragging effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical insertion tool is positioned at the conduit entrance opening before the liner insertion process begins. The tool pre-prepares the entrance by creating a tapered passage that the liner will follow, preventing damage before it can occur. This preliminary arrangement of the insertion tool ensures that the liner is gradually compressed and guided into the conduit without experiencing sudden friction or dragging forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a stitched tubular liner is used, then the liner can be manufactured from rolled material, but the seam becomes a weak portion that may break under load and rip the liner
Solution Approach 1:
The conical insertion tool serves as a mediator that protects the vulnerable seam area of stitched liners during insertion. By gradually reducing the width of the liner through the tapered surface, the tool prevents concentrated loads from acting on the seam stitches. This gradual compression distributes the mechanical stress away from the weak seam portion, preventing stitch breakage and liner ripping that would otherwise occur during forced insertion.
3Strength
If a seamless tubular liner is used, then the liner has no weak seam portions, but the liner may still be unevenly stretched or form wrinkles and bulges when pulled through the entrance
Solution Approach 1:
The conical insertion tool uses a curved tapered surface to guide the seamless tubular liner into the conduit. This curved geometry gradually compresses and shapes the liner as it passes through, preventing uneven stretching and wrinkle formation. The smooth transitional surface of the conical tool ensures uniform deformation of the liner material, maintaining its circular cross-section and preventing bulges or folds that would compromise the quality of the rehabilitation.
4Productivity
If the tubular liner is pulled through the conduit with high force, then the liner can be inserted against friction resistance, but the liner becomes stretched unevenly and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The conical insertion tool acts as a mediator that reduces the insertion force required by gradually compressing the liner as it passes through the tapered surface. This intermediary device transforms the insertion process from one requiring high force to one that uses gradual, distributed compression. The result is that the liner can be inserted efficiently while maintaining its structural integrity and avoiding damage from excessive or uneven forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for inserting a tubular liner impregnated with a hardening resin into the conduits or pipes to be rehabilitated is disclosed. The apparatus is a tool comprising a cylindrical segment and a conical segment, the cylindrical segment and the conical segment connected together to form a passageway adapted to guide a tubular liner inside a host pipe.