Subterranean Pipe Extractor With Opposing Rollers for Continuous Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing aging subterranean pipes, particularly steel pipes, are inefficient, complex, and pose safety risks due to the inability to distinguish between live and abandoned pipes, leading to potential hazards and inefficiencies in excavation.
Innovation Solution
A subterranean pipe extractor with opposing rollers that rotate in opposing directions, featuring adjustable radial gaps and hydraulic actuation, allows for continuous extraction of pipes by compressing and gripping them, minimizing slippage and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reciprocating strokes are used to pull the pipe out of the ground, then the pipe can be extracted in short lengths, but the extraction process becomes slow and requires additional power to overcome static friction with each stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reciprocating rollers that rotate in opposite directions to create periodic gripping and releasing actions. This periodic mechanical action allows the pipe to be pulled continuously through the device without requiring intermittent stopping and restarting, thereby maintaining extraction speed while managing power consumption through the rhythmic engagement of the rollers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pulling the pipe directly with a single gripping mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by using two rollers rotating in opposite directions. One roller grips the pipe while the other releases, and vice versa during reciprocation. This inverted reciprocating action between two opposing rollers creates continuous motion without the need to overcome static friction from a stationary position repeatedly.
2Ease of manufacture
If a cutting mechanism is added to bisect the pipe during removal, then disposal becomes easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the extraction function and cutting function into a single integrated device. The reciprocating rollers not only extract the pipe from the ground but also progressively cut it into manageable sections as they reciprocate along the pipe length. This merging of extraction and cutting operations eliminates the need for separate cutting equipment and manual segmentation, thereby simplifying the overall process despite the added mechanical complexity of the reciprocating mechanism.
3Loss of information
If ground penetrating radar is used to locate abandoned pipes, then pipe location can be identified, but precision is insufficient to determine whether the pipe is in service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera system as an intermediary tool between the ground penetrating radar detection and the final determination of pipe status. After radar identifies potential pipe locations, the camera captures visual images of the extracted pipe sections to confirm whether they are active service pipes or abandoned pipes. This intermediary visual verification step bridges the gap between rough radar location data and precise pipe status identification.
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
Enables efficient, safe, and continuous extraction of steel pipes with minimal disruption, reducing the need for intermittent cutting and minimizing excavation size, while accommodating pipes of varying diameters.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing slippage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to machines and methods for subterranean pipe extraction. The pipe extractor is comprised of a first roller, a second roller radially opposed from the first roller, at least one motor configured to drive rotation of the first and second rollers in opposing directions, and a deflector positioned adjacent to the first and second rollers. The first roller and second roller are configured to receive a pipe between them, and the pipe is axially moveable into contact with the deflector upon rotation of the first and second rollers. One or both of the first and second rollers may be radially slidable towards and away from each other. The sliding movement of the rollers may be controlled by a hydraulic actuator. The pipe extractor may be used as a standalone unit, or it may be mounted on a construction vehicle such as an excavator.