Internal Composite Dowels for Localized Tubular Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tubular support structures are vulnerable to degradation, particularly in marine environments, due to their high surface area, which can lead to structural weakening and material deterioration, necessitating efficient reinforcement methods.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sleeve is positioned within a tubular structure at a specified depth and length, filled with a curable material that cures to provide strategic reinforcement, minimizing material waste and efficiently addressing degradation areas, contrary to expectations of external reinforcement methods being more efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external reinforcement methods are used on tubular structures, then structural strength is improved, but material usage and resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a flexible sleeve containing curable fill inside the tubular structure's hollow interior. The sleeve is inserted through an access hole and positioned at the degraded section, with the fill curing to provide reinforcement from within. This internal nesting approach eliminates the need for external reinforcement materials while achieving the same structural strengthening effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by targeting reinforcement only at the specific degraded section of the tubular structure. The flexible sleeve is positioned precisely at the weakened area identified through inspection, and the curable fill is injected to fill only that localized region. This prevents material waste by avoiding reinforcement of already sound portions of the structure.
2Loss of substance
If internal reinforcement via flexible sleeve is implemented, then material usage is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a containment vessel for the curable fill, provides structural reinforcement when the fill cures, and can be inserted through standard access holes in various tubular structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, offsetting the added complexity with operational versatility.
3Productivity
If precise positioning of flexible sleeve is performed, then reinforcement efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve is designed with flexible material that allows it to be dynamically inserted and positioned within the tubular structure. The flexibility enables the sleeve to conform to the internal geometry and be adjusted to the precise location of degradation without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. Once positioned, the curable fill provides the rigid structural reinforcement needed.
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 effectively reinforces tubular structures by providing structural support where needed, reducing material usage and resource expenditure, while being more efficient in time and resources compared to traditional external reinforcement techniques.
Implementation Method 1
filled with a curable material that cures to provide strategic reinforcement
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reinforcement of tubular structures via composite internal dowels are provided herein. The hardening of a curable fill inside a flexible sleeve provides conformal contact between the resulting dowel and the surrounding tubular structure. Permeation of the fill through the sleeve may improve the bond. Attachment of the sleeve to a narrower tube may allow for precise positioning of the sleeve as well as a reduction in the amount of fill required. Ultimately, the internal dowels may extend past a degraded section of the tubular structure from a selected lower limit below the degraded section to a selected upper limit above the degraded section.