External Interlocking Tile Pipe Reinforcement for Abrasion and Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe reinforcement systems fail to provide effective resistance to leaks and abrasion, especially when handling abrasive materials, leading to frequent replacements and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A pipe reinforcement system comprising interlocking tiles made from abrasion-resistant materials, with overlapping edges and a sealing cover to create a leak-resistant surface, applied over pipe sections to maintain air pressure and withstand wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If abrasion resistance tiles are placed inside the pipe section, then abrasion resistance is improved, but installation difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing tiles inside the pipe as in conventional solutions, this invention places the reinforcement system on the outside of the pipe. The interlocking tiles form a cage-like structure that encases the pipe externally, reversing the conventional approach and simplifying installation while maintaining abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement system is divided into multiple interlocking tile segments that can be easily assembled and installed in sections. These modular tiles lock together to form a complete protective cage around the pipe, making installation manageable and adaptable to different pipe lengths and configurations.
2Ease of operation
If only the back portion of the pipe is reinforced from the outside, then installation ease is improved, but leakage resistance deteriorates due to gaps between tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking tile structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides abrasion resistance through its hardened outer surface, maintains structural support for the pipe, and prevents leakage through the interlocking joints that eliminate gaps. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between installation ease and leakage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tiles are designed with curved surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of the pipe, allowing them to wrap around and encase the pipe completely. This curvature enables full circumferential coverage with interlocking joints that prevent leakage while maintaining ease of installation around the pipe's exterior.
3Ease of manufacture
If typical pipe materials are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but service life deteriorates due to wear from abrasive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system uses composite construction with an outer layer of abrasion-resistant material (such as ceramic or hardened polymer tiles) combined with an inner structural layer that provides mechanical strength. This composite approach extends service life against abrasive materials while keeping the base pipe material cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile material properties are specifically selected and engineered to have high hardness and abrasion resistance parameters, contrasting with the softer typical pipe materials. This parameter change in the reinforcement layer provides enhanced durability against abrasive wear while allowing the use of standard, cost-effective pipe materials underneath.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe reinforcement system for reinforcing a pipe connection, pipe section, or length of pipe. The invention is most applicable to pipe sections used in commercial, industrial, or manufacturing processes conveying abrasive materials. The pipe reinforcement system uses several interlocking tiles placed over the pipe section to produce a smooth inner surface. The edges of the tiles overlap each other, producing a leak-resistant skin. A cover which maintains air pressure within the pipe is placed over the tiles, keeping them in place and holding them against the pipe.