Movable Connection Device for Shaft Liner Renovation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for renovating old shaft systems in sewer systems are costly and time-consuming due to the need for complete removal and replacement of old shafts, which often require complex and costly manufacturing of new components to match unique geometries, and are prone to corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A shaft arrangement featuring a movably arranged connection device with a cohesive fixing device, adaptable to various geometries, using polymer materials and manufacturing processes like 3D printing, allowing for economic and cost-effective renovation without complete removal of old shafts, integrating existing components and accommodating obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complete removal and replacement of old shafts is performed, then reliability of the shaft system is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft system reliabilityVSAvoidrenovation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a shaft-in-shaft renovation approach where a new shaft liner is inserted inside the existing old shaft, creating a nested structure. The new shaft component (10) is lowered into the old shaft system and secured within it, allowing renovation without complete removal of the old structure. This nesting principle dramatically reduces renovation time while ensuring reliability through the new corrosion-resistant liner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the shaft system into separable components: the existing old shaft structure and the new shaft liner. The new shaft component is manufactured as a separate modular unit that can be independently produced, transported, and installed within the old shaft. This segmentation allows for efficient renovation without disrupting the entire shaft system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complete removal and replacement of old shafts is performed, then reliability of the shaft system is improved, but material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft system reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By nesting the new shaft liner inside the existing old shaft, the patent eliminates the need to completely remove and replace the entire shaft structure. The old shaft walls and base remain in place and serve as the outer structure, while only the necessary inner liner is replaced. This significantly reduces material consumption and cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent recovers and reuses the existing old shaft structure (walls, base, and surrounding infrastructure) by keeping it in place as the outer shell. Only the corroded inner components are discarded and replaced with the new shaft liner, maximizing material recovery and minimizing waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If new shaft liner is customized for each old shaft geometry, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft geometry adaptabilityVSAvoidshaft liner complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an adjustable and adaptable connection device (40) that can dynamically adjust to different geometries of old shaft openings. The connection device includes movable components that can be positioned and secured at various locations and angles, allowing the same standardized shaft liner design to adapt to diverse existing shaft configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal shaft liner component that can be used across multiple different old shaft systems. The standardized shaft component (10) combined with the adaptable connection device creates a multi-functional solution that works with various geometries, eliminating the need for custom-designed liners for each specific old shaft while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If old shaft components are completely removed, then ease of installation is improved, but loss of time and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidrenovation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies installation by nesting the new shaft liner within the existing old shaft structure rather than requiring complete removal. The new component (10) is lowered into place and secured using the adaptable connection device, making installation straightforward while preserving the old shaft's structural elements. This approach reduces both time and complexity compared to complete removal and reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4442916A1Pit assembly
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 REHAU IND SE & CO KG
  • EP4442916A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4442916A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4442916A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a shaft arrangement (1) for an old shaft system of a system for receiving, conveying and storing a fluid, comprising at least one shaft component (60) and at least one adapter arrangement (30), which is characterized in that the adapter arrangement (30) has at least one movably arranged connection device (40).