Pipe Cleaning Hose End-Position Detection for Nozzle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe cleaning methods risk damaging surrounding equipment and causing injuries due to the uncontrolled movement of high-pressure nozzles in pipes with open ends, particularly in non-straight pipes.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a hose that moves axially within the pipe, equipped with a propulsion unit, controller, and redundant detection systems to determine end positions, ensuring the hose does not extend beyond defined limits, using limit switches and sensors to prevent nozzle exposure outside the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the hose is propelled axially into the pipe without end position detection, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the risk of equipment damage and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the insertion depth of the hose into the pipe and comparing it with a target value. When the detected insertion depth matches the target value within a tolerance range, the propulsion is automatically deactivated. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the hose reaches the desired position for complete cleaning coverage while preventing over-insertion that could cause equipment damage or injury to personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by defining the target insertion depth and tolerance range before the cleaning operation begins. The control system is pre-configured with safety parameters, and the propulsion mechanism is designed to automatically deactivate when these pre-set conditions are met. This preliminary configuration ensures that safety measures are in place before the hazardous high-pressure cleaning operation commences.
2Ease of operation
If the hose movement is manually controlled without automatic termination, then operational flexibility is improved, but the reliability of preventing harmful effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the cleaning system to automatically monitor its own operational state through insertion depth detection and autonomously terminate propulsion when the target position is reached. The control system self-regulates the cleaning process without requiring continuous manual intervention, maintaining operational flexibility while ensuring reliable safety through automated end-position detection and propulsion deactivation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hose is allowed to move freely in non-straight pipes, then adaptability to pipe geometry is improved, but the risk of uncontrolled nozzle exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to continuously monitor the insertion depth of the hose regardless of pipe geometry. The system compares real-time depth measurements with the target value and automatically deactivates propulsion when the target is reached, ensuring the hose adapts to non-straight pipe configurations while preventing uncontrolled movement that could expose the nozzle and create safety hazards.
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
Prevents damage to equipment and injuries by automatically controlling hose movement, allowing safe and precise cleaning of pipes with open ends, including non-straight configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The propulsion unit has a propulsion mechanism that is frictionally connected to the hose and by means of which the hose can be set into axial movement along the main axis H
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning the interior of a pipe (12) using a cleaning device (1) which has a tube (47). The tube (47) is moved within the pipe (12) in an axial direction along a main axis H, and the insertion depth E of the tube (47) into the pipe (12) is detected. According to the invention, it is determined whether the tube (47) has reached an end position, and the axial movement is terminated when the tube (47) reaches the end position.