Radiation Source Power Feedback for Consistent Lining Tube Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ballasts used for radiation sources in curing lining tubes are inefficient and do not accurately regulate the real power output, leading to inconsistent curing quality due to aging and varying power consumption, requiring separate ballasts for different radiation sources and resulting in long, impractical electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A device with a power control system that adjusts and monitors the electrical power output to radiation sources, allowing for real-time comparison of actual power consumption to target parameters, ensuring consistent energy delivery and adaptable to different power spectra, eliminating the need for separate ballasts and reducing cable losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional ballasts are used for radiation sources, then the system can operate with simple structure, but the power output regulation is inaccurate and curing quality becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring quality consistencyVSAvoidpower control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor detects the actual power output of the radiation source and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller compares the detected power with the target power value and dynamically adjusts the ballast output to maintain consistent power delivery, resolving the issue of inconsistent curing quality while managing system complexity through intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operating parameters (voltage, current, power) based on real-time feedback from the sensor. The controller adjusts these parameters to maintain the target power output despite variations in radiation source characteristics, thereby ensuring consistent curing quality without requiring overly complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate ballasts are used for different radiation sources, then each source can be optimized individually, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different radiation sourcesVSAvoidnumber of ballasts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal ballast system with feedback control that can adapt to different radiation sources through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware for each source. The intelligent controller adjusts operating parameters based on the specific radiation source characteristics, providing optimized performance for multiple source types while maintaining a single, integrated ballast unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-characterization by automatically detecting the properties of the connected radiation source and adjusting its operating parameters accordingly. This self-adaptation capability eliminates the need for manual configuration or separate ballasts for different sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If long electrical connections are used to connect radiation sources and ballasts, then the system can accommodate distributed radiation sources, but cable losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistributed radiation source capabilityVSAvoidcable losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system compensates for cable losses by dynamically adjusting the operating parameters. The controller detects the actual power delivered to the radiation source and increases the output power accordingly to compensate for energy lost in long cables, thereby maintaining efficient operation while supporting distributed radiation source configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures consistent and efficient delivery of radiation energy to lining tubes, independent of aging and power variations, guaranteeing reliable curing by dynamically adjusting power output and minimizing losses, thus improving the quality and efficiency of the curing process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radiation source (3) for generating high-energy radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the actual power consumed by the at least one radiation source (3) is measured by means of a measuring device (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohmmeter

Implementation Method 3

the high ignition voltage required to form the gas column can be generated using an inductor in the form of a choke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3551423B1Device for controlling a radiation source for hardening lining tubes, method and use
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 RELINEEUROPE AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for hardening resin-impregnated lining tubes with high-energy radiation, comprising at least one radiation source for producing high-energy radiation and at least one power control device for regulating the electrical power output at the at least one radiation source, at least one nominal parameter representing the desired electrical power output of the power control device being adjustable or adjusted, and the actual power received from the at least one radiation source being measured by means of a measuring device and permanently compared with the nominal parameter, wherein in the event of falling short of the nominal parameter, the power control device increases the power output, and in the event of the nominal parameter being exceeded, the power output is reduced.