Earthmoving Pipe Section With Integrated Line Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earth construction devices require high maintenance and are inefficient in forming holes in the ground due to the need for separate lines to supply energy to drilling devices, which can be damaged by the surrounding ground.

Innovation Solution

The development of pipe sections with an outer and inner tube connected firmly, featuring a channel between them that extends along the tube, allowing lines to be protected within the channel and preventing damage from external influences. The pipe sections are connected via a bayonet connection, enabling efficient and quick assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate lines are laid outside the pipe to supply energy to the drilling device, then the drilling device can be operated, but the lines are exposed to damage from surrounding soil

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline protectionVSAvoidpipe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the channel structure inside the pipe wall, where the channel is formed within the wall thickness of the pipe section. This allows the energy lines to be protected within the existing pipe structure without adding external protective layers or complex external routing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from external line routing to internal channel integration by utilizing the radial dimension of the pipe wall. The channel extends through the wall thickness, moving the line protection from the external surface to the internal structure of the pipe wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the borehole is drilled with a larger diameter than the pipe to protect lines, then lines are protected from soil contact, but unnecessary excavation occurs and ground settlement risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline protectionVSAvoidexcavation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the line protection function with the pipe structure itself by integrating channels within the pipe wall. This eliminates the need for separate protective measures and allows the borehole diameter to match the pipe outer diameter exactly, avoiding unnecessary excavation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe structure itself provides line protection through its integrated channel system, eliminating the need for additional protective measures. The pipe wall and channel configuration work together to protect lines while maintaining optimal borehole dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If pipe sections are firmly connected to transmit high tensile forces and torques, then the pipe can rotate during hole formation, but the connection structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile force transmissionVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pipe into detachable pipe sections with standardized connection interfaces. Each section can be independently manufactured and connected using the same bayonet mechanism, simplifying the overall connection structure while maintaining strength through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bayonet connection provides dynamic capability by allowing the pipe to rotate during hole formation while maintaining firm connection. The connection structure transitions from a static fixed joint to a dynamic mechanism that accommodates rotational movement while transmitting forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the channel increases in size in the circumferential direction at the end face, then lines are protected from shearing off during bayonet connection, but the pipe section geometry becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline protection during connectionVSAvoidchannel geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the channel geometry variable along its length, with the circumferential dimension increasing specifically at the end face regions where bayonet connection occurs. This localized geometric change provides line protection exactly where needed during connection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The enlarged channel geometry at the end face is pre-configured during manufacturing to accommodate line protection during subsequent bayonet connection operations. This preliminary geometric preparation ensures line safety before the connection process begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4253715B1Earthmoving device, pipe section and earthmoving method
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 GWD SYST GMBH
  • EP4253715B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4253715B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4253715B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an earth-drilling device, in particular for creating a blind hole in the ground, comprising a pipe for operating a drilling device, which is formed by several interconnected pipe sections (1). In order to make the earth-drilling device particularly low-maintenance and to enable efficient and rapid creation of holes in the ground, the pipe sections (1) have an outer pipe (4) and an inner pipe (13) arranged in the outer pipe (4) and firmly connected to the outer pipe (4).