Pipe Jacking Angle Evaluation for Eccentricity and Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pipe jacking methods are inefficient due to the inability to maintain a straight path, leading to increased pre-pressing forces, non-uniform stress distribution, and risk of pipe damage from eccentricity and friction, especially in challenging terrains.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates and outputs a maximum force difference angle range based on the current directional angle and static pipe load limit, allowing for controlled adjustments to maintain alignment within this range to avoid force reduction and minimize pipe eccentricity, using angle sensors and a control device to guide the drill head back to the planned course.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pipe jacking method is used to advance pipe elements through the subsurface, then pipeline construction in difficult terrain is enabled, but maintaining alignment and avoiding pipe damage becomes difficult due to friction and eccentricity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to construct pipeline in difficult terrainVSAvoidpipe alignment and damage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates the maximum force difference angle range before pipe jacking operations based on pipe specifications and subsurface conditions. This preliminary determination of safe angular parameters allows operators to maintain alignment within predetermined safe zones, preventing pipe damage before it occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the current force difference angle during pipe jacking and provides real-time feedback to operators. When the angle approaches the maximum force difference angle range, the system alerts operators to correct alignment, enabling continuous maintenance of safe operating parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drill head deviates from the planned course, then adaptation to subsurface conditions is possible, but friction increases and feed rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill head deviation for subsurface adaptationVSAvoidpipeline feed rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows small deviations from the planned course within the maximum force difference angle range, which is sufficient for adapting to minor subsurface variations. This partial action approach maintains productivity by avoiding excessive corrections while still enabling necessary adaptations to subsurface conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including the maximum force difference angle range based on subsurface conditions, pipe specifications, and current jacking forces. By optimizing these parameters in real-time, the system maintains high feed rates while adapting to varying subsurface conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If pre-pressing forces are increased to maintain straight path, then alignment is improved, but pipe stress and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipeline alignment precisionVSAvoidpipe element strength under stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the maximum force difference angle range based on real-time conditions including pipe specifications, subsurface properties, and current jacking forces. This dynamic approach allows optimal alignment maintenance with minimal necessary forces, adapting to changing conditions without applying excessive static pre-pressing forces that could damage pipes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including force magnitude and angular range based on subsurface conditions and pipe characteristics. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves precise alignment with minimal forces, avoiding both insufficient alignment and excessive stress on pipe elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3513039B1Measurement signal evaluation method
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 JACKCONTROL AG
  • EP3513039B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3513039B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP3513039B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a measurement signal evaluation method for a micro-tunneling method for simultaneously pushing at least two pipe elements having a predetermined static charge threshold, into a subsurface (1), for creating a pipeline along a planning line. For evaluating a measurement signal, a directional angle of the micro-tunneling is measured using an angle sensor (7.1), the measured directional angle is generated, an actual maximal force differential angle range, dependent on the directional angle calculated at least based on the actual directional angle and the static charge threshold of the pipe elements, is calculated and emitted.