Radial LED Light Head for Pipe Relining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe relining technologies face issues such as elongated structures getting stuck in pipes, inefficiency in heat transfer leading to overheating, and unsuitability for bent or angled pipes due to the arrangement of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and air flow in prior art.
Innovation Solution
A light head design featuring a proximal and distal end cap with a body having a longitudinal hole and radial air channels for air flow, supporting LEDs on the periphery to emit light radially, and incorporating a vortex cooler for efficient heat dissipation, allowing for improved cooling and reduced risk of overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light heads are connected in series to form an elongated structure, then the curing coverage is increased, but the apparatus tends to become stuck in pipes and is unsuitable for bent pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple separate light heads that can be connected in series or used independently. Each light head is a compact unit that can navigate bent pipes, while multiple units can be combined to achieve extended curing coverage when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The light heads are designed with flexible positioning capabilities, allowing them to adapt to different pipe configurations. The modular design enables dynamic adjustment of the number and arrangement of light heads based on specific pipe conditions.
2Temperature
If metallic elements are placed on the outer wall to accept heat from LEDs, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the apparatus overheats due to inefficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
Pressurized air serves as an intermediary cooling medium that flows through channels in the apparatus wall, efficiently absorbing heat from the LEDs and metallic elements. This air cooling system prevents overheating while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic cooling system is implemented where pressurized air is circulated through internal channels to remove heat from the LEDs and metallic components, providing efficient thermal management without requiring liquid cooling systems.
3Ease of operation
If pressurized air is used to inflate the liner, then the liner is properly positioned, but the air does not efficiently cool the metallic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized air system serves multiple functions: it inflates the liner for proper positioning and simultaneously flows through cooling channels to dissipate heat from metallic elements and LEDs, making the air supply a multi-functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner inflation function and the cooling function are merged into a single pressurized air system. The same air source that inflates the liner is directed through cooling passages to efficiently cool metallic components, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
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 design enhances cooling efficiency, prevents overheating, and allows for effective use in various pipe configurations, including bent and angled pipes, ensuring homogenous light distribution and successful resin curing during the relining process.
Implementation Method 1
The body is configured for supporting at least one light emitting diode (LED) on the periphery of the body in order to emit light radially from the light head towards the pipe
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the liner to cure the resin in the liner
Implementation Method 3
as the pressurized air passes through the apparatus interior it also cools metallic elements that accept heat from the outer LEDs
Implementation Method 4
incorporating a vortex cooler for efficient heat dissipation, allowing for improved cooling and reduced risk of overheating
Data Source
AI summary
A light head for use in relining a pipe is disclosed. The light head comprises a proximal end cap, a distal end cap, and at least one body between the proximal end cap and the distal end cap. The proximal end cap also has an air inlet. The body has a longitudinal hole extending from the proximal end cap through the centre of the body towards the distal end cap and at least one air channel extending radially from the longitudinal hole to a radial air outlet. The longitudinal hole is configured to receive air from the air inlet such that in use air from the air inlet passes through the body and exits at the radial air outlet. The body is configured for supporting at least one light emitting diode on the periphery of the body in order to emit light radially from the light head towards the pipe.