Deployment Probe Retainer for In-Pipe Leak Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Piping systems face breaks in pipe walls, leading to leaks, which require costly and time-consuming repairs that often necessitate shutting down the system and extensive construction, including digging up streets and sidewalks.
Innovation Solution
A deployment probe with a retainer device and pipe repair device that navigates through the pipeline, engages with the pipe wall, and expands to create a watertight seal, allowing for repair without shutting down the system or extensive excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then the pipe break is repaired, but the piping system must be shut off and extensive construction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment probe is inserted inside the existing pipeline, and the pipe repair device is nested within the deployment probe. The repair device is deployed from the probe and then the probe is removed, allowing repair work inside the pipeline without external excavation or system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment probe acts as an intermediary carrier that transports the pipe repair device to the damage location inside the pipeline. The probe enables the repair device to reach the target area through the existing pipeline without requiring system shutdown or external access.
2Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then the pipe break is repaired, but extensive construction including digging up streets is required
Solution Approach 1:
The repair function is extracted from the traditional external repair process and moved inside the pipeline. The deployment probe carries the repair device through the existing pipeline to the damage location, eliminating the need for external excavation and street digging.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment probe serves as an intermediary that delivers the repair device to the damage location through the existing pipeline infrastructure, avoiding the need for external access and complex construction work.
3Reliability
If a retainer device is used to secure the pipe repair device, then the device is held in place, but the retainer mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer tabs on the deployment probe automatically engage with the pipe repair device through elastic deformation. The elastic material naturally returns to its original shape, providing automatic retention without requiring complex locking mechanisms or additional actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer tabs utilize elastic deformation (change in physical state) to achieve retention. The elastic material deforms to allow engagement and then returns to its original shape to secure the pipe repair device, providing a simple yet effective retention mechanism.
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 efficient and minimally invasive pipeline repairs by navigating through existing pipes to engage and expand a stent-like device for a watertight seal, reducing costs and disruption.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and an engagement tab, the engagement tab defining a channel
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of a pipe repair assembly, a deployment probe for repairing a pipeline, and a method of repairing a pipeline are disclosed. The pipe repair assembly can comprise a retainer device comprising a retainer tab extending into a retainer slot, the retainer device movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a pipe repair device comprising a spring and an engagement tab, the engagement tab defining a channel, wherein, in the engaged position, the engagement tab is received in the retainer slot and the retainer tab engages the channel, and in the disengaged position, the engagement tab is disposed outside of the retainer slot and the retainer tab is disengaged from the channel.