Mesh Stent Expansion for Non-Overlapping Collapsed Pipe Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe repair methods for partially collapsed pipes face issues such as overlapping replacement pipes that interfere with relining and reduce hydrodynamic conductivity, and the need for prefabricated support plates that are not adaptable to specific pipe diameters, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in repair effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a mesh stent fitted around an actuation assembly with arms that expand to restore the pipe to a non-collapsed form, minimizing excavation and allowing for uniform expansion without overlapping edges, thus facilitating easier relining and improved hydraulic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coil shaped replacement pipe is used to repair partially collapsed pipes, then the pipe can be restored to a non-collapsed form, but the replacement pipe overlaps with itself creating interference with relining and reducing hydrodynamic conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe restoration effectivenessVSAvoidoverlapping section interference and reduced hydrodynamic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement pipe is divided into multiple expandable segments or cells that can be inflated independently. This segmentation allows the pipe to expand uniformly without overlapping, as each segment expands in place rather than requiring the entire pipe to uncurl and overlap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The replacement pipe transitions from a static coil shape to a dynamic expandable structure. By using inflatable segments that can be expanded on-demand, the system adapts to the pipe geometry without requiring pre-formed overlapping sections, thereby eliminating the harmful overlap effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If a prefabricated support plate is used for pipe repair, then the pipe can be repaired with a fixed diameter, but the support plate must be manufactured in advance reducing productivity and adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport plate diameter precisionVSAvoidrepair time and manufacturing wait-time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from a static prefabricated plate to a dynamic inflatable segment system. The segments can be inflated to various diameters as needed, allowing the repair process to adapt to different pipe sizes without requiring pre-manufactured plates for each diameter, thereby significantly reducing wait-time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The diameter parameter of the support structure is changed from fixed (prefabricated) to variable (inflatable). By controlling the inflation pressure and volume of the segments, the support structure can achieve the precise diameter needed for any given pipe, eliminating the need for multiple prefabricated sizes and reducing manufacturing lead-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If a coil shaped replacement pipe is used, then the pipe can be expanded to fit within the damaged section, but the overlapping section reduces hydrodynamic conductivity requiring greater pressure for the same flow rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe internal volumeVSAvoidenergy loss due to reduced hydrodynamic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe interior is segmented into multiple expandable cells that distribute the expansion force uniformly. This prevents the formation of overlapping sections that would create turbulence and energy loss, as each cell expands smoothly in place to restore the full internal volume without creating constrictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion is made homogeneous by using multiple inflatable segments that expand uniformly around the pipe circumference. This creates a smooth, continuous internal surface without overlapping sections, maintaining optimal hydrodynamic conditions and minimizing energy loss from turbulence and friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 mesh stent solution enables quick, efficient, and minimally disruptive pipe repair with reduced risk to relining layers and enhanced flow conductivity, allowing for effective restoration of partially collapsed pipes without the need for replacement pipes or extensive excavation.

Implementation Method 1

causing actuation, of at least one of the arms in the plurality of arms, between a retracted configuration in which the at least one arm exerts substantially no force against an interior surface of the pipe, and an extended configuration in which the at least one arm extends outwards to exert a force against the mesh stent and the interior surface of the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS11898686B2Pipe repair
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 WESSEX ENG & CONSTR SERVICES LTD
  • US11898686B2 patent drawing
  • US11898686B2 patent drawing
  • US11898686B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for repairing a partially collapsed pipe. The method comprises fitting a mesh stent around the outside of an actuation assembly of a pipe repair apparatus, and positioning the pipe repair apparatus within a portion of the pipe, at least a part of the portion of the pipe being partially collapsed. The method also comprises causing actuation between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration such that the partially collapsed part of the pipe changes from a partially collapsed form towards a non-collapsed form. The method also comprises removing the pipe repair apparatus from the pipe and leaving the mesh stent in the portion of the pipe.