Flexible Protrusion Pipe Milling Device for Curvy Conduits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for grinding the inside of pipes, such as sewage pipes, are slow and prone to errors due to low torque from pneumatic motors, requiring high rotation speeds and making it difficult to navigate sharp turns, often necessitating the closure of streets for machining.
Innovation Solution
A device with a spindle and flexible protrusions or strips attached, rotated by a power drill, which are pressed against the pipe's inner wall to efficiently grind the surface, allowing navigation through curvy pipes and precise machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If pneumatic motors are used to rotate the grinding blade, then the robot can be operated inside the pipe, but the rotation speed must be very high (10,000 to 30,000 rpm) due to low torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic motor system with a cable-driven mechanical rotation system. A cable is wound around the spindle, and rotating the cable with a power drill or similar device drives the spindle and attached grinding elements at controlled speeds, eliminating the torque limitations of pneumatic motors.
2Ease of operation
If rigid push bars are used to move the robot, then the robot can be pushed to the cutting point, but it is difficult to navigate sharp turns and move through curvy pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible strips instead of rigid push bars to transmit rotational motion. These flexible strips can bend and conform to the pipe's curvature, allowing the device to navigate sharp turns and curvy pipes while maintaining the mechanical drive connection.
3Productivity
If high rotation speeds are used to compensate for low torque, then the grinding blade can operate, but machining becomes slow and susceptible to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-driven system allows for controlled rotation speeds that are optimal for grinding operations, rather than the excessively high speeds required by pneumatic motors. This provides both higher productivity and improved reliability through better control.
4Ease of operation
If the grinding robot must be used from a different end of the pipe, then machining can be performed, but street closures are required and traffic is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a compact, modular unit that can be inserted through existing access points and navigated to the required location within the pipe system, eliminating the need for additional street openings and closures.
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 easy grinding of pipe interiors over long distances, reducing the risk of errors and eliminating the need for street closures during machining.
Implementation Method 1
When the spindle is rotated by a power drill through a cable, for example, the strips are pressed against the inner wall of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The device is for grinding a pipe from an inside. The device has a spindle arranged to be rotated. The device further has protrusions fastened to the spindle. The protrusions have a strip causing an elastic force when being bent. The protrusions are arranged to position the device or a part of the device inside the pipe. The protrusions have blades arranged to grind the inner surface of the pipe, while the spindle is being rotated.