Pipe Pulling Face Plate Layout for Sewer Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe pulling techniques face challenges such as excessive cable strain, upward creep of pipes, and potential damage to nearby sanitary sewer pipes, especially when attempting to remove lead pipes in close proximity to sewer pipes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe pulling apparatus with a face plate that can be positioned to avoid sewer pipes, featuring a rotatable and lockable frame with independently secured legs, allowing for clearance of sanitary sewer pipes during the pipe removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cable is threaded through an existing pipe and pulled using a machine, then the pipe can be removed, but the vertical force component causes upward creep of the cable and pipe, resulting in incorrect installation depth
Solution Approach 1:
A guide plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the pulling cable and the pipe. The guide plate redirects the pulling force to act horizontally along the pipe axis rather than at an angle, eliminating vertical force components that cause upward creep. This mediator ensures the pipe is pulled straight horizontally, maintaining correct installation depth while enabling efficient pipe removal.
2Force
If the pulling angle is not horizontal, then the cable exerts vertical force, but this increases cable strain and breaks the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate serves as a mechanical intermediary that redirects the pulling force. By positioning the guide plate against the pit wall and having the cable pass through it, the system converts angled pulling force into horizontal force along the pipe axis. This force redirection eliminates excessive vertical components that would otherwise increase cable strain and cause breakage.
3Device complexity
If the pipe is pulled without a guide plate, then the process is simpler, but the cable is unprotected and exposed, increasing danger to crew members and traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate acts as a protective intermediary structure that shields the cable and pipe from exposure. As the cable passes through the guide plate and the pipe is pulled through the plate's opening, the plate's physical structure contains the pulling operation, protecting crew members and passing traffic from potential cable breakage hazards while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Productivity
If the pipe pulling apparatus is positioned close to the sewer pipe, then the water pipe can be removed, but the sewer pipe may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the pipe pulling apparatus and the sewer pipe. By positioning the guide plate against the pit wall near the sewer pipe, it creates a physical buffer zone that allows the water pipe to be pulled through safely without directly contacting or damaging the adjacent sewer infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pipe puller having a face plate that can be positioned to avoid a sewer pipe when being used to remove pipe made of lead or other material. The pipe pulling apparatus can be used with a machine such as a mini excavator. The pipe pulling apparatus has a mount that attaches it to the machine. The apparatus further has a frame with a top and a bottom. The top is rotatably and lockably connected to the mount with a pin lock. Two legs can be independently secured to the bottom of the frame. The face plate can be oriented for use with left/right/both legs by rotating and flipping the face plate. Face plate bears against the pit wall. The selected orientation of the plate allows for clearance of the sanitary sewer pipe when the water pipe is being pulled.