Pipeline Liner Curing Head With Electromagnetic Release Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for curing pipeline linings face challenges such as lengthy curing times, difficulty in separating the curing device from the liner, and inefficient cooling of LED radiation sources, which can lead to overheating and renovation delays.

Innovation Solution

A device equipped with an electromagnet on its second end piece for remote separation from the liner, combined with a cooling system that uses convective cooling through slit-shaped openings to directly cool LEDs, allowing for efficient curing and quick removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a curing device is inserted together with the liner into the pipe to be rehabilitated, then the liner can be cured in place, but the device must be retracted together with the liner and can only be separated by the second end, requiring long waiting time until complete curing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring completenessVSAvoidrenovation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a first end piece, a second end piece, and a housing body. The electromagnet is mounted on the second end piece, allowing it to be independently controlled and operated as a separate functional unit during retraction and separation from the liner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mechanical separation system is replaced with an electromagnetic separation system. The electromagnet can be remotely activated to release the liner without requiring physical access to the second end, enabling faster device removal while maintaining complete curing through controlled retraction speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If conventional cooling methods are used for LED radiation sources, then the structure can be simple, but the LEDs may overheat leading to curing delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling system structureVSAvoidcuring speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A cooling fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance to transfer heat from the LED radiation sources. The cooling fluid flows through channels in the housing body, absorbing heat from the LEDs and carrying it away, thus preventing overheating while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A fluid-based cooling system is implemented where cooling fluid is supplied through the first end piece and circulated through the housing body to remove heat from the LED radiation sources during the curing process, ensuring continuous operation without thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If the device is designed for easy separation from the liner, then device removal is simplified, but the connection strength during insertion may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice separationVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the device and liner is made dynamic through the electromagnet system. During insertion, the electromagnet is deactivated allowing strong magnetic attraction to hold the liner firmly. During retraction, the electromagnet can be activated to release the liner, enabling easy separation without compromising initial connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field parameters of the electromagnet are changed during operation. By controlling the activation and deactivation of the electromagnet, the connection strength between the device and liner can be dynamically adjusted - strong during insertion for secure attachment, and weak during retraction for easy separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 rapid curing of pipeline linings by electromagnetic radiation and facilitates easy separation of the device from the liner, while effectively managing heat dissipation to prevent overheating, thus reducing renovation time and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radiation source, in particular light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are arranged on the outer end faces of the arms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode (LED) radiation: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The resin is curable and cures by electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

The housing body has cooling fluid through-openings that are coupled to a cooling fluid supply line so that cooling fluid can enter them during operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4127549B1Device for pulling in, and in particular curing, a pipeline liner
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 BRAWO SYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP4127549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4127549B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2f
  • EP4127549B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for pulling in, and in particular curing, a pipeline liner (40), the device comprising a housing (11) having a first end piece (12) and a second end piece (14) opposite one another, a housing body (16) extending between the end pieces (12, 14), and a power supply line connected to the first end piece (12), in which device an electromagnet (45) which is coupled to the power supply line and can be energized thereby is provided on the second end piece (14), in particular on the free end face thereof.