Pipe Ring Carrier Assembly for In-Situ Pipeline Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier assembly systems for pipe repair in underground water supply systems face challenges such as limited visual inspection capabilities, ground shifts causing leaks, and the difficulty of maintaining and repairing pipes without disrupting water supply services.
Innovation Solution
A carrier assembly system comprising a main body with pipe support arms and a drive system, allowing for the transportation, manipulation, and installation of pipe segments within existing pipelines, enabling repairs without shutting down the water supply system. The system includes hydraulic and manual displacement mechanisms for precise positioning and alignment of pipe rings, and can operate underwater or in other environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional pipe repair methods are used in underground water supply systems, then the pipes can be repaired, but the water supply system must be shut down causing service disruption and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier assembly is inserted inside the existing pipe, and pipe segments are assembled within the carrier assembly. This nested configuration allows repair operations to proceed inside the existing pipeline without shutting down the water supply system, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining repair capability
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly acts as an intermediary device that provides a workspace inside the pipe. It carries pipe segments and positioning mechanisms, enabling repair operations to be performed in-situ without external intervention that would require system shutdown
2Manufacturing precision
If manual manipulation of pipe segments is used, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated mechanical system. The drive system moves the carrier assembly along the pipe and positions pipe segments through mechanical actuation, achieving precise positioning while reducing operational complexity and time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are designed to be movable relative to the carrier assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment of pipe segment positioning. This dynamic capability enables precise placement of pipe segments while simplifying the operation through controlled mechanical movement rather than manual handling
3Reliability
If extensive visual inspections are conducted on underground pipes, then system integrity can be monitored, but the inspection process is difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier assembly serves as an intermediary platform that provides a stable workspace inside the pipe during inspection and repair operations. This platform enables inspectors to conduct thorough examinations of pipe integrity without requiring complex external inspection equipment or system shutdowns
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
Enables efficient and non-disruptive repair of underground pipes by allowing for the transportation and precise placement of pipe segments, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while maintaining water supply functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier assembly has a chassis assembly and at least one support arm assembly operably connected to the chassis assembly. A drive system is operably connected to the chassis assembly wherein the chassis assembly is configured to move along the pipeline. The at least one support arm assembly is configured to engage the pipe ring wherein the at least one support arm assembly is moveable relative to the chassis assembly to displace the pipe ring relative to the chassis assembly for installation in the existing pipeline.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier assembly (10) engages a pipe ring for installing the pipe ring in an existing pipeline to repair the existing pipeline. The carrier assembly (10) has a chassis assembly (12), a support arm assembly (14) and a drive system (16). The chassis assembly (12) has the support arm assembly (14) operably connected thereto. The drive system (14) is operably connected to the chassis assembly (12) wherein the chassis assembly (12) is configured to move along the pipeline. The support arm assembly (14) is configured to engage the pipe ring wherein the support arm assembly (14) is moveable relative to the chassis assembly (12) to displace the pipe ring relative to the chassis assembly (12) for installation in the existing pipeline.