Internal Pipe Repair Seal Using Spring Expansion and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piping systems often develop breaks in pipe walls, leading to leaks that require costly and time-consuming repairs involving the shutdown of services and extensive construction, such as digging up streets and sidewalks.
Innovation Solution
A pipe repair device comprising a gasket with raised ridges and recessed dimples, combined with a spring that biases the device into an expanded configuration to create a suction force against the pipe's inner wall, forming a watertight seal to prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then pipe breaks can be repaired, but the piping system must be shut off and extensive construction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The repair device is inserted inside the existing pipe through a launch device, allowing repair without external construction or system shutdown. The nested structure enables the repair mechanism to operate within the confined space of the pipe while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
A launch device acts as an intermediary to deliver the repair device to the break location. This intermediary mechanism allows the repair components to be transported through the pipe without disrupting water flow or requiring system shutdown.
2Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then pipe breaks can be repaired, but costly and time-consuming construction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The repair device is inserted inside the existing pipe through a launch device, allowing repair without external construction or system shutdown. The nested structure enables the repair mechanism to operate within the confined space of the pipe while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair device is pre-assembled and loaded into the launch device before being inserted into the pipe. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment at the break location without time-consuming on-site assembly or construction activities.
3Reliability
If a seal is created against the pipe inner wall, then leaking is prevented, but the device must generate sufficient suction force
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket features a curved outer surface with raised ridges and recessed dimples that conform to the cylindrical inner wall of the pipe. This curved geometry distributes the suction force evenly across the seal interface, creating an effective seal without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket incorporates localized features including raised ridges at specific positions and recessed dimples at other positions. These localized structural variations create varying suction forces at different regions of the seal, optimizing the overall sealing effectiveness while managing the total force requirement.
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
The device allows for quick and effective repair of pipe breaks without shutting down services, minimizing disruption and construction, by creating a reliable seal within the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
a spring engaging the gasket inner surface and biasing the pipe repair device to an expanded configuration
Implementation Method 2
creating a suction force between each of the recessed dimples and the inner wall of the pipe to retain the pipe repair device against the inner wall
Data Source
AI summary
A method of repairing a pipe includes providing a pipe repair device, the pipe repair device comprising a spring and a gasket, the gasket defining a gasket top end, a gasket bottom end, and a gasket outer surface, wherein the gasket outer surface defines a plurality of raised ridges and recessed dimples; biasing the pipe repair device to an expanded configuration with the spring inside of the pipe; engaging the raised ridges of the gasket outer surface with an inner wall of the pipe; and creating a suction force between each of the recessed dimples and the inner wall of the pipe to retain the pipe repair device against the inner wall.