Bidirectional Pipe Cleaning Cup Deformable Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bidirectional pipe cleaning tools with circular cups face issues maintaining a seal and operating at consistent pressure in both directions due to cup design flaws, such as increased pressure requirements for reverse fluid flow and compromised waterproofness.
Innovation Solution
A pipe cleaning tool cup with two substantially parallel circular walls and a peripheral circular band, featuring a central core, a deformable intermediate zone, and an outer rim, ensures sealing by deforming to occupy the pipe's section, maintaining contact and pressure consistency regardless of direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flat disc cup is used in bidirectional cleaning tools, then the tool can operate in both directions, but the cup requires very great pressure to turn when fluid is reversed and is no longer perfectly waterproof after turning
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is segmented into three distinct zones along its wall: a rigid central core, a deformable intermediate zone, and a rigid outer rim. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function - the rigid zones maintain structural integrity and sealing contact, while the intermediate zone provides flexibility for deformation during directional changes, resolving the contradiction between bidirectional operation and sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the cup wall are given different mechanical properties - the central core and outer rim are made rigid for maintaining seal, while the intermediate zone is made more deformable for facilitating rotation. This local differentiation of material properties allows the cup to simultaneously maintain waterproofness and enable easy directional reversal without requiring excessive pressure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flat disc cup is used in bidirectional cleaning tools, then the tool can operate in both directions, but very great pressure is required to turn the cup when fluid direction is reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The cup wall is divided into rigid and deformable segments, with the intermediate zone specifically designed to deform under lower pressure to facilitate rotation. This segmentation reduces the overall force required for directional reversal compared to a uniformly rigid flat disc structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of different cup wall zones are varied - the intermediate zone has increased deformability while the central core and outer rim maintain rigidity. This parameter change in material properties allows the cup to rotate with reduced pressure requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness
3Reliability
If the cup deforms to occupy the entire pipe section for sealing, then sealing is guaranteed, but the cup structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cup structure is segmented into three zones with the intermediate zone designed for deformation. This segmentation provides a straightforward structural solution where each zone has a clear function, making the overall design more understandable and manufacturable compared to complex alternative sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cup employs local quality differentiation where only the intermediate zone is made deformable while the central core and outer rim remain rigid. This localized approach to deformation simplifies the overall structure compared to making the entire cup complex and deformable, achieving sealing reliability with minimal structural complexity
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 solution effectively maintains sealing and operational pressure consistency in both directions, enhancing the tool's bidirectional cleaning capabilities and extending its usability across various pipe configurations.
Implementation Method 1
said intermediate zone being arranged to define a groove constituting a more deformable zone than the central core and the outer rim. Thus, the intermediate zone can be deformed so that the cup occupies the entire section of the pipe so as to guarantee sealing.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dish (10) for a pipe-cleaning tool, said dish having a space defined by two substantially parallel, circular walls (1, 2) and by a peripheral circular strip (3) connecting said circular walls (1, 2). Each of said circular walls (1, 2) includes: a central core (6) having an opening (6a) through which a shaft (4) of the cleaning tool is pass; a circular intermediate area (8) surrounding the central core (6); and an outer circular edge (12) which surrounds said intermediate area (8) and which is linked to the peripheral circular strip (3), said intermediate area (8) being arranged so as to define a groove forming an area that is more deformable than the central core (6) and the outer edge (12).