Inflatable Pipe Clamping for Sewer Inspection Feed Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer pipe inspection systems with hand-operated pushing systems require a counter bearing on the sewer pipe to advance inspection devices, which can be cumbersome and limit handling efficiency, especially in larger diameter pipes.
Innovation Solution
A sewer pipe inspection system with an inflatable cushion-based clamping unit that can be inflated to create a non-positive connection with the sewer pipe's inner wall, allowing for force transmission and improved handling by maintaining a cushion-free area for assembly and pre-flood maintenance, and using elastic materials for easy inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a counterbearing is used to fix the reel to the sewer pipe, then force transmission is achieved, but handling complexity increases and assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable cushion (pneumatic element) that can be inflated with compressed air to create a force-fitting connection between the clamping unit and the sewer pipe inner wall. This pneumatic mechanism replaces complex mechanical counterbearings, enabling easy inflation and deflation for rapid deployment and retrieval while maintaining secure force transmission during inspection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the cushion from deflated (compact, easy to insert) to inflated (expanded, providing secure clamping). By controlling the inflation parameter through compressed air supply, the system transitions between easy handling during assembly and secure force transmission during operation, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Reliability
If a cushion extends over the entire circumference, then secure bracing is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed to extend only over a first circumferential region (less than 360°) rather than the entire circumference. This segmentation leaves a cushion-free circumferential region that simplifies assembly by allowing lateral insertion of the feed element and provides access for pre-flood operations, while still maintaining sufficient bracing security through the inflated portion contacting the pipe wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion provides localized bracing in the circumferential region where it is inflated, concentrating the bracing function where needed rather than uniformly distributing it. This local quality approach maintains reliability in the braced region while simplifying assembly and access in the cushion-free region.
3Force
If a clamping unit is used to create force-fitting connection, then force transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible inflatable cushion (thin film structure) that can be inflated to create a force-fitting connection between the clamping unit and the pipe wall. This flexible membrane approach replaces complex rigid mechanical clamping mechanisms, achieving reliable force transmission through pressure distribution while significantly reducing device complexity and the number of moving parts.
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
Enhances handling and assembly of inspection devices in larger diameter sewer pipes by providing secure force transmission and easy insertion of the feed element, while maintaining a free area for pre-flood and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inflatable cushion (26) arranged on the outer circumference of the central body (16)... This cushion (26) is preferably inflatable by filling it with a liquid or a gas. It is particularly preferably designed so that it can be inflated with the aid of compressed air.
Implementation Method 2
The cushion (26) is made, for example, of an elastically expandable material, preferably an elastomer or rubber material.
Implementation Method 3
The sewer pipe inspection system (400) further has a compressed gas supply (28)... Via this compressed gas supply (28), it is possible to inflate the cushion (26).
Implementation Method 4
The material is selected or designed such that it is essentially impermeable to the fluid to be contained, in particular the gas to be contained.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sewer pipe inspection system with a feed element (6) for advancing an inspection device (4) and with a clamping unit (14) which is designed to be clamped inside a sewer pipe (2) as a counter bearing for the feed element (6), wherein the clamping unit (14) has a central body (16) and at least one inflatable cushion (26) arranged on the circumference of the central body (16), which extends over a first circumferential area of less than 360° around the central body (16).