Pipe Tool Positioning via Segmented Pneumatic Bladders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tool positioning systems for pipes are limited, expensive, and often damage linings or obstruct fluid flow, failing to efficiently insert, position, and orient tools like grinders within pipes.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve with radially-offset bladders that can be individually inflated and deflated, controlled by a unit with controllers, and optionally accompanied by a camera for precise tool positioning within pipes, allowing for efficient insertion and orientation of tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fully inflated bladders are used to expand to the full radius of the pipe, then the tool can be positioned within the pipe, but fluid flow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is divided into multiple independent segments that can be inflated or deflated separately. This allows only the necessary portions to be inflated for tool positioning while leaving other segments deflated to maintain fluid flow paths through the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder system transitions from a static fully inflated state to a dynamic partially inflated state. The bladder can be inflated to the extent needed for tool positioning while maintaining the ability to deflate portions to restore fluid flow, creating a dynamic balance between positioning stability and flow maintenance.
2Reliability
If metal support legs are extended and compressed by rubber bladders to hold the tool in place, then the tool can be positioned, but the linings inside pipes may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flexible bladder elements instead of rigid metal support legs. These flexible bladders can conform to the pipe interior and apply distributed pressure rather than concentrated point loads, preventing damage to pipe linings while still providing sufficient force for tool positioning.
3Ease of operation
If bladder assemblies are used to move the tool forward, then the tool can be positioned, but the tool cannot be moved side to side or up and down
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder system is segmented into multiple independent controllable units positioned at different locations and orientations. By selectively inflating or deflating specific segments, the tool can be moved not only forward but also side to side and up and down, providing multi-directional positioning capability.
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
Enables safe and efficient positioning of tools within pipes without obstructing fluid flow or damaging linings, allowing for precise control and use of standard power tools.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the bladders may be individually inflated and/or deflated to aid in the positioning of the tool within a pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe tool positioning system for efficiently inserting, positioning, and orienting a tool for use within a pipe. The pipe tool positioning system generally includes a sleeve with a receiver opening adapted to receive and removably retain a tool such as a grinder or the like. The sleeve includes radially-offset bladders extending outwardly from its outer surface. Each of the bladders may be individually inflated and/or deflated to aid in positioning of the tool within a pipe. A control unit may be provided with controllers for individually controlling each of the bladders. A camera may also be included adjacent to the sleeve to feed a display included with the control unit. By utilizing the present invention, various tools may efficiently be inserted and positioned for use within a pipe.