Reciprocating Pump Pipe Dredging Device Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe dredging devices face inefficiencies due to insufficient pressure and uneven air distribution, leading to laborious and time-consuming operations when clearing blockages in drainage pipelines, and they often leak air, resulting in incomplete dredging.

Innovation Solution

A reciprocating pump-type pipe dredging device featuring a detachable inflator and pipe dredging portion with a suction disc and flexible pipe, which forms a continuous passage for sealed air flow, utilizing layered flexible ring plates and screw threads for secure assembly, allowing for adjustable sealing and enhanced air tightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a dredging device uses repeated manual motions with flexible plates, then it can push blockages in drainage pipelines, but the pressure generated is insufficient for deep blockages and the operation becomes extremely laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure for pushing blockagesVSAvoidoperational effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using an inflator to generate high-pressure air flow that is transmitted through a flexible pipe to the suction disc. This pneumatic system replaces manual mechanical pushing with pressurized air, which automatically generates sufficient force to propel the suction disc through deep blockages without requiring repeated manual motions, thereby solving both the insufficient pressure and excessive labor issues simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of repeatedly pushing flexible plates with an automated pneumatic system. The inflator generates pressurized air that flows through the flexible pipe to drive the suction disc, substituting human physical effort with a mechanical-pneumatic system that continuously generates the necessary force without user intervention, thus eliminating the laborious repeated motions while maintaining effective blockage clearing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If a dredging device uses an inflator with a suction disc having an arcuate contact shape, then it can generate large air pressure, but the uneven suction surface causes air to rush back and leak through gaps, resulting in insufficient effective air pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair pressureVSAvoidair tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible pipe made of elastic material that can dynamically adapt its shape to match the circular cross-section of the drainage pipeline. This flexible shell conformally seals the gap between the suction disc and pipe wall, preventing air leakage while allowing the inflator to generate high air pressure. The flexibility of the pipe enables it to deform and maintain intimate contact with the pipe interior surface, ensuring both high power delivery and reliable air tightness simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the flexible pipe that can change its shape in response to internal air pressure and external pipe geometry. As air pressure increases, the flexible pipe expands and conforms to the circular pipe wall, dynamically sealing any gaps. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain both high air pressure generation capability and reliable air tightness by adapting the seal geometry to match the operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device provides consistent and improved air pressure for effective blockage removal, reducing operational effort and air leakage, enabling efficient dredging in various pipeline environments by ensuring tight sealing and uniform air distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of layered flexible ring plates, the pipe includes a space and a fourth assembly portion corresponding to one end of the pipe and joined with the third assembly portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

utilizing layered flexible ring plates and screw threads for secure assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11525251B2Reciprocating pump-type pipe dredging device
Publication Date: 2022.12.13 WU KUEI KUN
  • US11525251B2 patent drawing
  • US11525251B2 patent drawing
  • US11525251B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A reciprocating pump-type pipe dredging device comprises an inflator and a pipe dredging portion detachably assembled with the inflator. The inflator includes a cylinder, an inflator handle and a first assembly portion. The pipe dredging portion includes a suction disc and a flexible pipe. The suction disc includes a second assembly portion joined with the first assembly portion, a disc connected to one end of the second assembly portion, and a third assembly portion extending toward an inner top end of the disc and corresponding to the second assembly portion. The flexible pipe includes a pipe and a plurality of layered flexible ring plates. One end of the pipe is provided with a fourth assembly portion joined with the third assembly portion, and the inflator and the pipe dredging portion are formed a continuous passage thereinside after assembling.