Controlled Bending Packer Arm for Pipe Junction Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe navigation systems face challenges in navigating bends due to rigidity issues, where the elongate member either buckles or requires excessive force to maneuver, and the guide mechanism is prone to damage and snagging.
Innovation Solution
A flexible elongate member with spaced blocks that control bending direction and degree, allowing low-force navigation through bends, using a series of trapezoidal or donut-shaped blocks that interact to define bending curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the elongate member is made rigid to prevent buckling, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to navigate bends deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate member is divided into multiple rigid sections connected by articulated joints, allowing each section to maintain structural stability while the overall structure can bend to navigate pipes of various configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate member incorporates movable articulated joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the structure's configuration, enabling it to adapt from a straight rigid form to a bent flexible form as needed for navigation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elongate member is made flexible to navigate bends, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elongate member consists of multiple rigid segments connected by joints, providing flexibility for navigation while each segment maintains structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate member combines rigid materials for structural stability with articulated joint mechanisms that provide flexibility, creating a composite structure that exhibits both properties
3Adaptability or versatility
If excessive force is applied to maneuver the guide mechanism through bends, then navigation capability is improved, but the risk of damage and snagging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated joints allow the guide mechanism to dynamically adjust its configuration during navigation, bending smoothly around corners without requiring excessive force that could cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate member is designed with curved surfaces and rounded edges that allow it to smoothly navigate bends without snagging on pipe irregularities, reducing the risk of damage
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless navigation through pipe bends with minimal force, preventing buckling and damage to the guide mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the elongate member (122, 142) being sufficiently resilient to allow the device (100) to return to a starting position after being bent
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled bending device in the form of an elongate member including a series of blocks configured to direct and/or control an extent of bending of the elongate member. The present invention further relates to a sealing packer for use in installing a flexible liner into a junction between a main pipe and a branch pipe, the sealing packer incorporating the bending device in a flexible lateral arm thereof to facilitate guidance of the flexible lateral arm into the branch pipe when the sealing packer is inserted (pushed or pulled) through the main pipe.