Flexible Pipe Inspection Device Navigating 90-Degree Bends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for checking and repairing pipe connections are rigid and unable to pass through bends, limiting their use in sewage systems with curved pipe connections.

Innovation Solution

A flexible device with resiliently expandable sealing bodies and an intermediate piece that can bend up to 90°, allowing it to navigate through narrow and bent pipes, combined with a simple structure and easy operation, enables effective inspection and repair of pipe connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid sealing bodies and intermediate pieces are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the device cannot pass through bends in pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidability to pass through bends

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing bodies and intermediate pieces are made from flexible materials that can bend and deform to navigate pipe bends while maintaining their sealing function. The flexible construction allows the device to adapt to curved pipe geometries without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its shape and configuration to pass through bends. The flexible sealing bodies and intermediate pieces can dynamically adjust their form factor to navigate curved pipe sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible materials are used for sealing bodies and intermediate pieces, then the device can pass through bends, but structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to pass through bendsVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing bodies and intermediate pieces are constructed from composite materials that combine flexibility with structural strength. This allows the components to bend and deform for navigating pipe bends while maintaining sufficient strength to perform their sealing and structural functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex flexible mechanisms are used to enable bending, then the device can navigate pipe bends, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to pass through bendsVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of complex mechanical mechanisms, the patent uses flexible shell-like structures for the sealing bodies and intermediate pieces. This simple flexible construction enables bending capability without adding mechanical complexity, keeping the device easy to operate and maintain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The device can easily inspect and repair pipe connections with bends of up to 90° and in narrow pipes, ensuring effective sealing and leak detection while being easy to operate and maintain.

Implementation Method 1

zumindest einem ersten resilient expandierbaren Dichtkörper (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9249918B2Devices and methods for the checking and for the checking and repairing of pipe connections

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 HESAN

AI summary

A first sealing body and a second sealing body made of a resiliently expandable material, such as Kevlar-reinforced rubber, are connected by an intermediate piece that, having a larger wall thickness, is made of the same material, and is flexible, thereby providing the device excellent ability to pass through pipe bends. Together they surround a contiguous cavity into which pressurised air can be introduced via a pressurised air connection disposed on an end plate at a rear end of the device, to expand the diameters of the sealing bodies whereupon the latter tightly close off a test space in a pipe connection. A material feeding connection is connected to a discharge opening in a threaded bushing connecting the intermediate piece to the second sealing body, and a cable connection is connected to a camera facing to the outside that is attached to the bushing.