Curved Pipe Gripper Insertion for Small Excavation Pits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting pipes into existing cavities require large excavation pits, leading to high construction costs and logistical challenges, especially in urban areas where space is limited and underground installations are often unmapped.
Innovation Solution
A device using at least two pipe grippers that move along a curved path to grip and guide the pipe, allowing for curvature and reduced insertion force, enabling the pipe to be inserted with minimal disruption and smaller excavation pits, using a 'keyhole technique' that reduces the required pit size and minimizes traffic disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional linear pipe insertion devices are used, then the pipe can be pushed into the existing line, but a large construction pit is required and the contact area of the gripper with the pipe is very small leading to damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a curved path mechanism where the pipe is bent along a defined curvature radius during insertion. The pipe grippers move along this curved path, allowing the pipe to be deflected smoothly rather than pushed linearly. This curved insertion method enables the use of a small construction pit (keyhole technique) while maintaining reliable pipe handling through continuous contact along the curvature, preventing pipe damage that would occur with traditional linear pushing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear pipe insertion to curved/rotational insertion by moving the pipe grippers along a curved path. This dimensional change in the insertion trajectory allows the pipe to be guided into the existing line through a small pit, converting a one-dimensional linear push into a two-dimensional curved path operation that reduces the required excavation area while improving pipe handling reliability.
2Ease of operation
If excavator-based gripping devices are used for pipe insertion, then the pipe can be inserted into the existing line, but access from above requires a large excavation pit and skilled operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-guiding mechanism where the curved path and pipe grippers automatically guide the pipe along the defined curvature. The system includes self-aligning features that ensure the pipe follows the correct trajectory without requiring skilled operator intervention to manually guide the pipe. The mechanical design of the curved path and gripper movement provides automatic positioning and alignment, eliminating the need for expert operator skills while also reducing the excavation pit size through the keyhole technique.
3Force
If conveyor belts are used to clamp and push the pipe, then the pipe can be inserted, but a great deal of operational and mechanical effort is required and large construction pit is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex conveyor belt system and replaces it with a simplified curved path mechanism. Instead of using powerful conveyor belts to clamp and push the pipe, the invention uses a curved guide path with grippers that naturally guide the pipe along the curvature. This extraction of the overly complex mechanical system reduces the operational and mechanical effort required while still providing sufficient insertion force through the geometric constraints of the curved path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the insertion parameters from high-force linear pushing to low-force curved guiding. By altering the insertion trajectory from a straight line to a curved path, the required insertion force is significantly reduced. The curved geometry provides mechanical advantage, allowing the pipe to be guided into the existing line with minimal force applied by the grippers, eliminating the need for powerful conveyor belt systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for inserting a pipe into an elongated cavity, comprising at least two pipe grippers which can be moved along a curved path and which are arranged and designed in such a way that they grip around the pipe at least in sections and, in the gripped state, they move curved at least for a portion.