Pipe Lining Transport Assembly Axial Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pipe lining rehabilitation methods face challenges in maintaining the central axis alignment of pipe lining apparatuses due to internal pipe imperfections and bends, leading to improper application of lining material and reinforcing filaments.

Innovation Solution

The pipe lining apparatus features a transport assembly with paired tracks connected to extension/retraction mechanisms, rotational mechanisms, and linear translation mechanisms, allowing for independent movement and adjustment to maintain axial alignment with the pipe, utilizing rocker mechanisms for shock absorption and articulating joints for angular adjustments, and sensor-controlled actuation for autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple transport assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the apparatus cannot maintain axial alignment with pipe bends and imperfections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport assembly complexityVSAvoidaxial alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transport assembly incorporates dynamic elements including extension/retraction mechanisms that allow the apparatus to adapt its length, rotational mechanisms that enable angular adjustment to follow pipe bends, and linear translation mechanisms that maintain axial alignment. These dynamic components allow the system to respond to varying pipe geometries while maintaining precision alignment throughout the lining process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If extension/retraction mechanisms are added to maintain alignment, then axial alignment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial alignment precisionVSAvoidtransport assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport assembly is divided into modular functional segments: extension/retraction mechanisms for length adjustment, rotational mechanisms for angular orientation, and linear translation mechanisms for positional control. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently controlled, allowing the complex alignment task to be broken down into manageable components that work together systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If rotational mechanisms are added to accommodate pipe bends, then adaptability to curved surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to curved surfacesVSAvoidtransport assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rotational mechanisms are integrated into the transport assembly to provide dynamic angular adjustment capability. These mechanisms allow the apparatus to rotate and follow the curvature of pipe bends, maintaining contact with the curved surface while accommodating changes in pipe orientation. The rotational capability is coordinated with extension/retraction and linear translation mechanisms to achieve smooth navigation through bent sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10837588B2Pipe lining apparatus transport assemblies
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 SIPP TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US10837588B2 patent drawing
  • US10837588B2 patent drawing
  • US10837588B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pipe lining apparatus transport assembly having one or more positioning mechanisms for maintaining the orbiting operational components of the pipe lining apparatus in a concentric relationship with the pipe, the positioning mechanisms including alone or in combination extension/retraction mechanisms, track set rotational mechanisms, articulating joint mechanisms and/or linear translation mechanisms.