Rotating Nozzle Pipe Inspection Cleaner for Full Circumference Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage devices for inspecting and cleaning rainwater or wastewater pipes face inefficiencies due to deposits, cracks, and pipe offsets, leading to backwater and leaks, which can cause significant damage to buildings.

Innovation Solution

A device with a camera and propulsion system featuring a rotatable nozzle on a ring body, connected to a high-pressure hose, ensures thorough cleaning by distributing fluid evenly along the pipe circumference, while a separate cable routing system allows for modular design and reduces repair costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If nozzles are aligned obliquely backwards for propulsion, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but cleaning effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion speedVSAvoidcleaning effect
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion device is divided into separate functional components: propulsion nozzles oriented obliquely for forward movement, and additional cleaning nozzles oriented to provide cleaning effect. This segmentation allows each nozzle group to optimize for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion device incorporates multiple nozzle types that can serve different functions - some nozzles provide propulsion while others provide cleaning. The system achieves multi-functionality by combining propulsion and cleaning capabilities in a single integrated device that can adapt to different operational requirements.

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

2Device complexity

If cable and hose are routed together, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting complexityVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is extracted from the hose routing and given a separate path through the propulsion device. This separation prevents the cable from being exposed to fluid pressure and potential damage from the high-pressure fluid system, while still maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion device structure itself acts as an intermediary that provides separate routing paths for both the cable and hose. The housing and internal structure guide both components through the device, protecting the cable from fluid exposure while maintaining organized routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If single nozzle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle configurationVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is segmented into multiple nozzles positioned at different locations and orientations around the propulsion device. This segmentation ensures comprehensive coverage of the pipe inner circumference, with nozzles targeting different areas to achieve complete cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzles are arranged in three-dimensional space around the propulsion device, utilizing different spatial dimensions and angles to cover the entire pipe circumference. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that all areas of the pipe interior are reached by the cleaning fluid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 achieves efficient and versatile cleaning of pipes by ensuring complete inner circumference coverage and preventing damage to the cable from the fluid jet, allowing for easy module exchange and adaptation to different pipe configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid that is discharged via the nozzle for cleaning or flushing the line or pipe section is preferably pressurized. Because the pressure promotes the discharge of the fluid through the nozzle. The fluid is preferably subjected to high pressure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3326727B1Device for the inspection and cleaning of a conduit or pipe section
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 RITEC ROHRINSPEKTIONSTECHN
  • EP3326727B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3326727B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for inspecting and cleaning a line or pipe section, comprising a camera device (1) arranged at the end of a cable (3) and a propulsion device (2) which, for supplying fluid, has at least one nozzle (4) aligned at an angle to a main propulsion direction. is connected to a hose (5). According to the invention, the nozzle (4) is formed in or on an annular body (6) which is rotatably mounted on a one-part or multi-part base body (7) of the propulsion device (2).