Elastic Tube Moving Device for Narrow Pipe Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving devices face challenges in navigating narrow spaces, such as pipes, due to limited flexibility and maneuverability, which restricts their ability to efficiently perform inspections and maintenance tasks.
Innovation Solution
A moving device comprising an elastic tube with a sectional shape that deforms elastically under fluid pressure, a slider unit capable of moving forward and backward, and a brake mechanism for sliding contact with the pipe wall, utilizing fluid supply pipes to control movement and engagement with the target object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a self-propelled mechanism with stretchable driving legs is used in narrow spaces, then the device can perform inspection and maintenance tasks, but the device structure becomes complex and maneuverability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propulsion function from a complex mechanical self-propelled mechanism and implements it through a simple fluid-pressure-driven elastic tube. The elastic tube expands and contracts in response to fluid pressure changes, providing propulsion without requiring complex driving legs or mechanical components. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the capability to navigate narrow spaces while dramatically simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using fluid pressure to control the expansion and contraction of the elastic tube. The fluid supply section introduces fluid into the elastic tube, causing it to expand and propel the device forward, while draining fluid allows the tube to contract. This pneumatic mechanism replaces complex mechanical propulsion systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability for narrow space navigation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid pressure is applied to expand the elastic tube for movement, then maneuverability improves, but sliding resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternately expanding and contracting the elastic tube through controlled fluid pressure changes. The tube expands to propel the device forward, then contracts to reduce contact pressure and sliding resistance with the pipe wall. This periodic expansion-contraction cycle maintains maneuverability while minimizing continuous sliding resistance, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
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 quick and efficient movement within narrow spaces with reduced sliding resistance and improved maneuverability, allowing for effective navigation and operation within confined environments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic tube, a sectional shape of which is elastically deformable according to an internal pressure given by fluid
Implementation Method 2
a brake provided in the slider unit and configured to be deformed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic tube to be capable of coming into sliding contact with a target object
Data Source
AI summary
A moving device includes an elastic tube, a sectional shape of which is elastically deformable according to an internal pressure given by fluid, a slider unit capable of moving forward and backward in a longitudinal direction of the elastic tube according to a change in the sectional shape of the elastic tube, a brake provided in the slider unit and configured to be deformed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic tube to be capable of coming into sliding contact with a target object, and a fluid adjusting section configured to supply air to or discharge air from the elastic tube respectively via first and second fluid supply pipes that respectively communicate with insides on a distal end side and a proximal end side of the elastic tube.