Branch-to-Main Pipe Formwork With Magnetic Release and Fast Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sewer rehabilitation devices face challenges in efficiently and reliably attaching and detaching formwork and expansion bodies in the area where a secondary line connects to a main line, leading to prolonged curing times and increased labor and equipment costs due to complex and error-prone processes.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a mobile carrier element with a self-locking formwork connected via a magnetic field, utilizing electromagnets to securely attach and detach the formwork, and a heating system to accelerate the curing process of the renovation compound, allowing for faster and more precise rehabilitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the formwork and expansion body are manually attached and detached using traditional mechanical methods, then the process requires multiple work steps and precise control, but this leads to prolonged curing time and increased labor costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment systems with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Electromagnets mounted on the mobile carrier element generate magnetic fields that attract ferromagnetic contact plates on the formwork, enabling reliable attachment and detachment without complex mechanical operations. This substitution eliminates the need for precise manual control of mechanical fasteners and reduces the number of work steps required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attachment system enables the mobile carrier element to automatically secure and release the formwork through electromagnetic actuation. The system performs the attachment and detachment functions autonomously through controlled electromagnetic fields, reducing the need for manual intervention and multiple operational steps, thereby shortening the overall curing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the expansion body is expanded using compressed air with needle insertion into a small valve, then the expansion can be achieved, but the process is difficult to control and often requires several attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion body settingVSAvoidexpansion success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical needle-valve insertion method with a magnetic field-based attachment system for securing the formwork. The electromagnets provide controlled, reliable attachment without requiring precise manual manipulation of small components, eliminating the difficulty of controlling needle insertion into small valves and reducing the need for multiple attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the mobile carrier element remains at the curing site to maintain connection with the formwork, then the formwork can be securely held, but this increases equipment costs and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformwork connection stabilityVSAvoidrehabilitation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field-based attachment system allows the mobile carrier element to securely attach and detach the formwork through electromagnetic actuation. The carrier element can remain connected during transport and positioning, then easily detach when needed, eliminating the requirement for the carrier to remain permanently stationed at the curing site. This reduces equipment costs and increases productivity while maintaining formwork stability during critical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution simplifies the attachment and removal of formwork, reduces curing time, and decreases labor and equipment costs by enabling faster and more reliable line rehabilitation with improved precision and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic field of the electromagnet acts on the contact plate of the self-locking formwork

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the mobile carrier element comprising a boom with at least one electromagnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4239135A1System for renovating damaged line walls in the region of the connection of an auxiliary line to a main line

Publication Date: 2023.09.06 PIPETRONICS GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for repairing damaged pipe walls in the area of the connection of a branch line to a main line, comprising a movable support element (9) and a self-locking formwork (3), wherein the self-locking formwork comprises a contact plate and the movable support element comprises a boom (11) with an electromagnet, and in a transport state the self-locking formwork is connected to the boom of the support element, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnets acts on the contact plates, and in an assembly state the self-locking formwork is attached in the area of the connection of a branch line to a main line, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnets does not act on the contact plates.