Device for preparing liner for pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mangles used in CIPP pipe renovation methods are heavy, require electricity, and are fixedly installed, making it inconvenient to prepare epoxy-saturated liners evenly.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical device with adjustable rings that can be placed on a planar surface or rotated against a counter-cylinder to spread epoxy evenly into the liner, allowing for even distribution without damaging the liner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If heavy electrically powered mangles are used to spread epoxy evenly, then the epoxy distribution becomes uniform, but the device becomes heavy and requires fixed installation with electricity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveepoxy distribution uniformityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a cylindrical frame with multiple independent rings arranged at different positions. Each ring can be adjusted independently to control the gap size, allowing segmented control of epoxy distribution across different zones of the liner without requiring a heavy integrated mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rings are made adjustable along the cylindrical frame, allowing the gap between rings and cylinder to be dynamically modified. This enables the device to adapt to different liner sizes and epoxy distribution requirements without changing the overall device structure or weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If electrically powered mangles are used to spread epoxy, then the spreading function is achieved, but the device requires electricity and fixed installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespreading functionVSAvoidportability and installation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes the natural rolling motion of the cylindrical frame and the elastic deformation of the liner material under pressure to achieve epoxy distribution. The rings apply pressure to the liner as it passes through, and the liner's own elasticity helps distribute the epoxy evenly without requiring external power sources or complex mechanical drive systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the complex electrically powered mangle mechanism with a simple mechanical rolling device. The cylindrical frame with adjustable rings creates controlled pressure zones that distribute epoxy through the liner's elasticity, eliminating the need for motors, power supplies, and complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the gap between rings and cylinder is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different liner sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidadjustability to different liner sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rings are mounted on the cylindrical frame in a way that allows them to be moved along the frame's surface. This dynamic positioning capability enables adjustment of the gap between each ring and the cylinder to match different liner dimensions, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows modification of the gap parameter between rings and cylinder by adjusting ring positions along the frame. This parameter change enables the same device to work with different liner sizes and thicknesses without requiring multiple specialized devices or complex reconfiguration mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3601868B1Device for preparing liner for pipe
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 PICOTE SOLUTIONS OY LTD
  • EP3601868B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3601868B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3601868B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for preparing a liner to be installed in a pipe. The device comprises a frame (10), which is rotationally symmetrical in relation to its rotational axis, the frame having two ends (15), in the middle of both of which ends (15) is arranged an opening (11). The device further comprises two rings (12) in connection with the frame (10), which are equally large in their outer diameter and said outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the frame (10) in the section between the rings (12).