Internal Pulley Bursting Head for Higher Pipe Pulling Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe bursting technologies face limitations in providing sufficient pulling force and accommodating larger pipe diameters without requiring larger, more cumbersome machines, which are costly and difficult to maneuver.
Innovation Solution
A conically-shaped bursting head with an internal pulley mechanism that increases the effective pulling force and expands the pipe bursting diameter range without needing a larger cable diameter or substantial machine modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If larger pulling machines are used to provide greater pulling forces for larger diameter pipes, then the pipe bursting capability is improved, but the machine size, weight, and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A pulley system is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element between the pulling machine and the cable. The pulley redirects the cable and provides mechanical advantage, allowing the same pulling machine to generate effectively doubled pulling force on the bursting head without increasing machine size or weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling force is amplified by changing the dimensional configuration of the cable path through the pulley system. Instead of direct linear pulling, the cable is routed through the pulley to create a mechanical advantage system that multiplies the effective force in the bursting direction.
2Force
If larger cable diameters are used to pull larger diameter pipes, then the pulling capacity is improved, but the cable handling complexity and equipment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley bursting head design allows the same cable diameter to be used across a range of pipe sizes by providing mechanical advantage through the pulley system. This universal approach eliminates the need to change cables or equipment when transitioning between different pipe diameter applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pulling machines are used to accommodate different pipe diameters and cable sizes, then the versatility is improved, but the cost and equipment complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley bursting head transforms a single-purpose pulling machine into a multi-functional device capable of handling various pipe diameters (2-12 inches) and cable sizes. The pulley mechanism provides the adaptability previously requiring multiple specialized machines, thereby reducing equipment inventory and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different pipe sizes and cable configurations through the pulley mechanism, which can accommodate varying cable diameters and provide appropriate mechanical advantage ratios. This dynamic adaptability replaces the need for static, dedicated equipment for each pipe size category.
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 pulley bursting head effectively doubles the pulling force and expands the pipe diameter range, allowing for efficient replacement of pipes up to 12 inches in diameter with existing machines, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
A pulley is provided in the interior of the cone body and is competent to increase the effective pulling force or capacity of a pipe bursting pulling machine
Implementation Method 2
the pulley is competent to increase the effective pulling force or capacity of a pipe bursting pulling machine. In another embodiment, the pulley can effectively double the pulling force of a pipe bursting pulling machine
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a bursting head device or tool whose interior accommodates a pulley system competent to engage a pulling cable. The pulley can comprise a wheel on an axle or shaft designed to support movement and change of direction of the pulling cable and can include a groove or channel around its circumference to locate the cable. The improved bursting head device is competent to increase the effective pulling force or capacity of a bursting head pulling machine and can increase the machine's effective range of replacement pipe diameters.