Portable Pulling Device for Trenchless Pipe Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trenchless pipe replacement methods for smaller diameter pipes require large, expensive, and heavy equipment, necessitating significant force and large access pits, which are not cost-effective or portable for smaller diameter pipe replacements.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight and portable pulling device with gear reductions and powered drums that uses a flexible line to pull a pipe working tool through the existing pipe, allowing for efficient and controlled bursting or cutting with minimal equipment and pit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large, expensive equipment is used for pulling devices, then sufficient pulling force is achieved, but device weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical winch and pulley systems with an electric motor-driven drum system. The motor provides the necessary pulling force through rotational motion of the drum, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical advantage systems while maintaining sufficient pulling capability for pipe replacement operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a motor-driven system that can dynamically adjust pulling force through speed and torque control. The drum system converts electrical energy to mechanical motion with controllable parameters, allowing sufficient force to be generated without requiring permanently heavy mechanical structures
2Force
If above ground winch and pulley systems are used, then pulling force is sufficient, but equipment portability and access requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional above-ground mechanical advantage systems with a compact motor-driven drum assembly. This integrated system combines the motor, drum, and support structure into a single portable unit that can be positioned in small access pits, eliminating the need for complex above-ground pulley arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from above-ground operation to below-ground operation within small access pits. By designing the drum system to fit within confined underground spaces, the system changes the operational dimension from surface-level to subsurface, improving portability and reducing the need for large surface access areas
3Force
If traditional pulling equipment is used for smaller diameter pipes, then pulling force is adequate, but cost and device size increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the drum system with specific characteristics suited for smaller diameter pipe applications. The drum diameter, motor power, and overall system dimensions are optimized for the specific task of pulling line through smaller pipes, rather than using oversized equipment designed for larger pipe applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters to match the scale of smaller diameter pipe work. The motor power, drum size, and pulling speed are adjusted to provide adequate force for smaller pipes without the excess capacity and complexity of equipment designed for larger diameter applications
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 solution provides a high power-to-weight ratio, enabling efficient pipe replacement with smaller pits and lower costs, while maintaining reliability and safety by reducing friction and wear through harmonic drive gear reductions and a canted intermediate roller.
Implementation Method 1
harmonic drive gear reductions
Implementation Method 2
reducing friction and wear through harmonic drive gear reductions and a canted intermediate roller
Data Source
AI summary
A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.