Portable Winch Boom With Flexible Mounting for Confined Pipe Bursting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winch and boom systems face challenges in small spaces, such as manholes, where assembly and adjustment are difficult, and are prone to damage due to wall shifts during pipe bursting operations, requiring an improved design for ease of setup and robustness at an economical cost.
Innovation Solution
A portable winch with a boom assembly featuring a flexible connection system using elastomeric inserts, a dual capstan winch design, and a modular boom structure with pulley systems that distribute forces to prevent buckling, allowing for easy assembly and operation in confined spaces while absorbing shifts and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional winch with boom is used in small spaces like manholes, then the pipe bursting operation can be performed, but the assembly and adjustment become difficult and the device is prone to damage from wall shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be independently adjusted and assembled. This segmentation allows the boom to be easily configured in tight spaces while maintaining structural integrity through modular construction with pin-and-collar connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom length and configuration can be dynamically changed by telescoping sections and adjusting pins to different positions. This parameter adaptability enables the device to accommodate varying space constraints and wall positions without requiring complete disassembly or risking damage from rigid structures.
2Strength
If the boom is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the ability to absorb wall shifts and adapt to small spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The boom transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic telescopic system with multiple adjustable sections. The pin-and-collar connections allow controlled movement and adjustment, enabling the boom to adapt its length and configuration while maintaining sufficient structural strength through proper mechanical fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic boom sections are nested within each other, with inner sections sliding into outer sections. This nesting arrangement allows the boom to compact to a small size for transport and storage, then extend to full length for operation, providing both adaptability to space constraints and structural integrity when deployed.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective pipe bursting operations by simplifying setup, reducing the risk of damage from wall shifts, and maintaining operational efficiency in tight spaces, allowing for the replacement of pipes without extensive excavation.
Implementation Method 1
flexible connection system using elastomeric inserts... absorbing shifts and maintaining structural integrity
Implementation Method 2
modular boom structure with pulley systems that distribute forces to prevent buckling
Data Source
AI summary
A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.