Roller Pipe Leading Device for Micro-Tunnel Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for laying pipes in underground micro-tunnels, such as using plastic spacers or steel slides with anti-friction runners, are inefficient for long tunnels due to high friction and require manual lubrication and sub-duct installation, causing environmental and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A roller system is integrated into a device that supports pipes, converting sliding friction to rolling friction, allowing for reduced pulling stresses and eliminating the need for manual sub-duct installation and tunnel lubrication, with adaptable semi-shells for various pipe diameters and weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If plastic spacers or steel slides with anti-friction runners are used to avoid sliding contact between pipe and tunnel, then friction is reduced, but for long tunnels the friction causes substantial wear of the spacers and requires manual lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding mechanical system (spacers and runners) with a roller-based mechanical system. The rollers convert sliding friction into rolling friction, which is significantly lower, thereby reducing wear and eliminating the need for manual lubrication while maintaining low friction forces throughout the pipe insertion process in long tunnels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of friction type from sliding friction to rolling friction by introducing rollers between the pipe and tunnel. This parameter change dramatically reduces both the friction force and the wear rate, enabling efficient installation in long tunnels without requiring manual intervention for lubrication or spacer replacement
2Reliability
If slides are provided with anti-friction runners and elastomeric material to reduce friction, then wear is reduced, but the device complexity increases and manual lubrication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex elastomeric material layer and dynamometric wrench assembly from the traditional slide system. By using simple rollers directly between the pipe and tunnel, the design achieves adequate wear resistance without the added complexity of multiple material layers and precise clamping mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The roller system is designed to be self-lubricating through the rolling motion itself, eliminating the need for manual lubrication services. The continuous rolling action naturally distributes lubricant or reduces friction without requiring external intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If sub-ducts are inserted and raised to the vault by different kinds of raising devices, then sub-services are provided, but the ease of operation is reduced and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the roller system to be multi-functional, capable of handling both main ducts and sub-ducts of various sizes and weights. The same roller mechanism that facilitates main pipe insertion can also accommodate and raise sub-services to the vault, eliminating the need for separate raising devices and simplifying the overall operation while maintaining adaptability to different service requirements
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 roller system significantly reduces insertion stresses and personnel requirements, enabling efficient and environmentally friendly pipe placement in micro-tunnels of any length without surface damage, while accommodating different pipe and tunnel diameters.
Implementation Method 1
The rolling components are located beneath the support, generally a semi-shell, supporting the pipe. In this way, it is substantially reduced the coefficient of friction (because it is transformed from a sliding friction to a rolling friction) and consequently the stresses for pulling the duct inside the tunnel are reduced.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to the field of laying new pipes in underground micro-tunnels for transports liquids or gas. More precisely, it refers to a device (1) for leading in an underground micro-tunnel (10) pipes comprising a lower half-saddle (2) having a diameter such to contain a pipe to be handled, and a plurality of rolling means (8) integral with said lower half-saddle. Said means (8) are symmetrically positioned under the half-saddle (2) and are located, with respect to said centerline, with an angle such to keep stable the half-saddle (2) during its advancement motion. Said means (8) are cylindrical rollers or are convex rollers receiving inside a pipe.