Pipeline Shell Assembly With Crumple Supports for Excavation Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipelines, especially those made from brittle materials, are prone to damage during excavation operations due to impact from equipment, leading to fluid leaks and potential environmental and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A shell assembly comprising two half cylinders with a pipe cover shell, an inner shell, and an outer shell, coupled by radially extended inner supports with crumple components, which absorb impact without transferring load to the pipeline, along with optional rubber padding and deformable metal web structures to enhance protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If excavation equipment is used to remove earth around the pipeline, then productivity of pipeline installation is improved, but the pipeline is vulnerable to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing a protective shell assembly around the pipeline before excavation operations begin. The shell assembly includes energy-absorbing components positioned between the pipeline and potential impact sources, cushioning the pipeline against future impacts from excavation equipment during the pipeline installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shell assembly serves as an intermediary between the pipeline and excavation equipment. This intermediate structure absorbs and dissipates impact energy, preventing direct contact between the excavation equipment and the pipeline, thus protecting the pipeline while allowing excavation operations to proceed.
2Reliability
If the pipeline is protected by a rigid shell, then the pipeline is protected from impact, but the shell may transfer impact load to the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the protective shell with controlled flexibility rather than complete rigidity. The shell assembly includes components with specific structural parameters that allow it to deform in a controlled manner during impact, changing the mechanical parameters from rigid to semi-flexible to absorb energy without transferring full impact load to the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shell assembly utilizes composite material principles by combining different materials with complementary properties. The assembly includes rigid components for structural support and energy-absorbing components with different mechanical properties, creating a composite structure that protects the pipeline while managing impact load through material property differentiation.
3Reliability
If the protective structure is made complex with multiple shells and supports, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the protective structure into modular components including outer shell, inner shell, and support elements. Each segment performs a specific protective function and can be independently analyzed, manufactured, and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure implements the nested doll principle by arranging protective components in concentric layers around the pipeline. The inner shell is nested within the outer shell, with support elements positioned between them, creating a multi-layered protective system where each nested layer contributes to overall protection while sharing the structural load.
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 shell assembly effectively reduces the likelihood of pipeline damage during excavation, maintaining structural integrity and preventing fluid leaks, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency by allowing continuous pipeline operation and safer excavation processes.
Implementation Method 1
Each inner support has a crumple component that is weaker than adjacent portions of the inner support... the crumple component is further configured to crumple without transferring a load from inner shell to the pipe cover shell and the pipeline when the shell assembly receives the impact
Implementation Method 2
the shell assembly further includes a rubber padding positioned between the pipe cover shell and the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly, a system, and a method for protecting a portion of a pipeline from an impact in an excavation operation creating a void around the portion of the pipeline with a shell assembly are described. The shell assembly includes two half cylinders and fasteners to couple the two half cylinders together. Each half cylinder has a pipe cover shell, an inner shell, and an outer shell. The pipe cover shell is sized to conform to an outer surface of the pipeline. The inner shell is spaced apart from the pipe cover shell and coupled to the pipe cover shell by radially extended inner supports. Each inner support has a crumple component that is weaker than adjacent portions of the inner support. The outer shell is spaced apart from the inner shell with the inner shell disposed between the outer shell and the pipe cover shell.