Liner Preparation Rollers for Uniform Epoxy Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for spreading epoxy inside pipe liners during CIPP renovations are hindered by heavy, motor-powered mangles that require fixed installation and result in uneven epoxy distribution, necessitating on-site preparation and manual operation which is inefficient and prone to thickness variations.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a top and bottom part with rollers and belts, where the bottom part includes a pulley roller driven by an input shaft, allowing for manual operation with a cordless or power drill, and adjustable rollers to ensure even epoxy distribution without the need for a motor, enabling portable and efficient preparation of liners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor-powered mangle is used to spread epoxy inside the liner, then the epoxy can be distributed, but the device becomes heavy and requires fixed installation with electrical outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the motor from the device entirely, replacing it with a manual operation system. The belt and roller mechanism is retained but powered by hand or simple tools, removing the heavy electrical motor while preserving the epoxy distribution function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-powered through manual operation. The operator directly provides the mechanical energy needed to rotate the input shaft and drive the belt, eliminating the need for external power sources and heavy motor components.
2Ease of operation
If a motor-powered mangle is used to spread epoxy, then epoxy distribution is achieved, but the device requires fixed installation and cannot be easily moved
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the motor and electrical components, the device becomes inherently more portable. The manual operation system allows the device to be easily transported to different work locations without requiring fixed installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static, fixed-installation system to a dynamic, portable system. The manual drive mechanism allows the device to be easily positioned and repositioned at various work sites, adapting to different installation locations.
3Ease of operation
If a wooden rolling pin is used to spread epoxy, then manual operation is simple, but both hands are needed and the epoxy layer becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a belt as an intermediary between the operator and the epoxy. The belt distributes the spreading force uniformly across the liner surface, eliminating the uneven pressure that occurs with direct hand-rolling while still requiring minimal manual input.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual rolling action is replaced with a belt-driven mechanical system. The belt mechanism converts the operator's simple rotational input into uniform linear motion across the epoxy, achieving consistent thickness without requiring skilled manual technique.
4Ease of operation
If heavy mangles are used for epoxy distribution, then the function is performed, but preparation must be done in a car or worksite container with fixed installation
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the motor and electrical systems, the device eliminates the need for complex installation infrastructure such as electrical outlets and fixed mounting. The simplified manual system can be deployed in any location without preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the power source parameter from electrical to manual, fundamentally altering the installation requirements. This parameter change eliminates the need for electrical infrastructure and fixed installation, allowing flexible deployment in various work environments.
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 allows for even epoxy distribution within pipe liners, reducing the need for heavy machinery and enabling efficient, portable preparation, thereby improving the CIPP renovation process by ensuring consistent thickness and reducing manual labor requirements.
Implementation Method 1
One of the rollers of the bottom part is a pulley roller driving the belt of the bottom part when rotated
Implementation Method 2
a belt running on the rollers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device (10) for preparing a liner to be installed in a pipe. the device comprising a top part (100) having rollers (111r, 112r, 113r) extending between top sides (101, 102) and having a top belt (110) arranged on rollers (111r, 112r, 113r). The device further comprises a bottom part (200) having rollers (211r, 212r, 213r) extending between bottom sides (201, 202) and having a bottom belt (210) arranged on the bottom rollers (211r, 212r, 213r). One of the bottom rollers is a pulley roller (213r) driving the bottom belt (210) when rotated. At least one roller of the top rollers (111r, 112r, 113r) is movably attached to the top sides (101, 102), and at least one roller of the bottom rollers (211r, 212r, 213r) is movably attached to the bottom sides (201, 202).