Flexible Liner Assembly for Pipe Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing and reinforcing underground pipes are time-consuming, expensive, and often require excavation, especially when dealing with curved or complex piping systems, and fail to address leaks effectively in underground water, gas, and electrical piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A flexible liner assembly with a semi-rigid helix and a smooth bore liner is inserted into the damaged pipe, allowing for non-collapsible and non-collapsing characteristics, enabling repair and reinforcement of both linear and curved sections up to 90-degree elbows without excavation, using a combination of brushes and pulling cords to clean and anchor the liner in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional excavation and pipe replacement methods are used, then damaged pipes can be replaced, but the process is time-consuming, costly, and disruptive to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system is divided into separate functional modules: a preparation device for cleaning and positioning, and a separate repair device for applying reinforcement. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and enables the system to be inserted through small access points without extensive excavation.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair device is designed with nested components that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for insertion through small access holes, then expanded at the repair location. The reinforcement applicator and material delivery system are nested within each other to minimize insertion diameter while maintaining full functionality during repair.
2Ease of repair
If extensive excavation is performed to access damaged pipes, then repair work can be done, but it causes significant disruption and increases project cost
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system extracts the need for extensive excavation by using small-diameter access holes combined with expandable repair devices. The damaged pipe section is accessed through minimal openings, and the repair device is inserted, expanded, and deployed within the existing pipe structure without removing surrounding soil or infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement material is applied as a flexible coating that conforms to the internal surface of the damaged pipe. This thin-film approach provides structural reinforcement while maintaining the pipe's flow capacity and requiring minimal access for application.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection and repair methods are used, then damaged areas can be identified and fixed, but the process is labor-intensive and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
Manual visual inspection is replaced with optical sensors and imaging systems that automatically detect and characterize damage. The system uses cameras, light sources, and image processing algorithms to identify cracks, corrosion, and other defects with high precision, eliminating the need for manual inspection while providing detailed documentation of the damage.
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
This method significantly reduces downtime and costs by allowing in-place repair and reinforcement of underground pipes, maintaining functionality with minimal disruption, and preventing leaks in sensitive systems like pool and gas piping.
Implementation Method 1
a laser is used to remove material from the pipe
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive is used to secure the repair material to the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method for reinforcing or repairing a pipe pulls a liner assembly with a flexible smooth bore liner and a semi-rigid helix that gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damaged pipe for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections . The existing pipe is first cleaned with a specially designed brush with two wooden spheres at each end of the brush to prevent snagging or jamming during brush operations. The liner assembly is then pulled through the total length of the pipe and anchored at each end with retaining sleeves, which are sandwiched and glued within the liner assembly and the inside diameter of the existing pipe.