Pipe Rodding Guide Deflector for Complex Junction Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible cleaning rods, or snakes, face difficulties navigating complex pipe junctions such as Y or T shapes, often requiring intrusive actions like disassembly of the pipe system due to insufficient flexibility or length limitations, and existing guide tools are cumbersome and prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A removable pipe rodding guide tool with a deflector at one end that directs the flexible rod/snake in a selected direction at a pipe junction, allowing it to traverse long lengths and navigate complex angles without being present during the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible snake is used to clean pipes, then it can navigate curved paths, but it cannot effectively navigate acute angles or complex junctions like Y or T shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the snake. This guide tool features a deflector that can be manually positioned to redirect the snake into the desired pipe junction, acting as a mediator that overcomes the snake's inherent tendency to follow the path of least resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tool is inserted into the pipe system before the snake is introduced. By pre-positioning the deflector in the desired orientation, the path for the snake is prepared in advance, ensuring that when the snake reaches the junction, it is immediately directed into the correct branch rather than requiring complex real-time manipulation
2Ease of operation
If the pipe system is disassembled to access the pipe, then the snake can be inserted, but it requires intrusive actions that inconvenience the property owner
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tool serves as an intermediary that enables snake insertion through the existing pipe access points without requiring disassembly. It mediates between the constraint of intact pipe systems and the need for snake access by providing directional control within the existing infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If a guide tool is used to direct the snake, then navigation of junctions is improved, but the tool may become clogged or dirtied and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed as a removable component that can be extracted from the guide tool body. This allows the deflector, which is the component most susceptible to clogging and dirt accumulation, to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire guide tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tool is divided into separate modular components including the deflector, body, and handling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently cleaned, maintained, or replaced, with the deflector being the primary component designed for easy removal and cleaning due to its exposure to pipe contents
4Adaptability or versatility
If the guide tool fully encapsulates the snake, then directional control is achieved, but the length of the device is limited and insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tool features a telescopic or nested structure where components can be extended or retracted. The deflector and guiding mechanisms can be extended to provide directional control over longer distances, then retracted to reduce the overall profile for insertion, allowing the snake to be guided effectively without limiting the insertable length
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe rodding guide tool which directs a flexible cleaning rod or snake in a selected direction at a pipe junction or series of pipe junctions, wherein the pipe rodding guide tool comprises a rod for a user to hold and a deflector for directing the flexible cleaning rod or snake in the direction of the bend or deflector.