Sewer Pipe Junction Repair Using Segmented Bladder System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing sewer pipe junctions between main and lateral pipes face issues such as leaks due to inadequate internal pressure, interference with launcher devices, and the need for multiple launchers for varying pipe diameters, as well as the impracticality of reusing lateral bladders.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using separate, independently inflatable main and lateral bladders that can be field-changed and reused, with a lateral bladder attached directly to a launcher device, allowing for customizable pipe repair and minimizing resin interaction with the launcher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lateral bladder tube extends from the main bladder, then the liner assembly can be inflated, but the internal pressure on the connection increases causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bladder system into separate main bladder and lateral bladder components, each independently inflatable. This segmentation eliminates the connection point between bladders that was causing leaks under pressure, while still achieving the desired liner expansion function through coordinated inflation of the separate components.
2Ease of operation
If the lateral bladder is attached to the interior of a rim protruding from the launcher device, then the bladder can be positioned, but resin can interact with the launcher device increasing cleanup time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the bladder from the launcher device after inflation, separating the bladder positioning function from the launcher device. The bladder is inflated independently and then extracted from the launcher, preventing resin from contacting the launcher device and eliminating cleanup time while maintaining ease of bladder positioning during installation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the opening of the launcher device must be substantially the same diameter as the lateral bladder, then the bladder can be launched, but separate launchers are required for varying pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher device is designed with a universal opening that can accommodate lateral bladders of various diameters. This is achieved through a launcher opening larger than any single bladder size, allowing the same launcher to be used across different pipe diameter applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized launchers while maintaining precise bladder deployment.
4Ease of operation
If the end of the lateral bladder must be open to string the liner along, then the liner can be installed, but the bladder cannot be reused after cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is pre-installed into the bladder before the bladder is sealed and inflated. The bladder is prepared with an open end for liner insertion, the liner is threaded through, and then the bladder is sealed and inflated to press the liner against the pipe wall. This preliminary action sequence allows the bladder to be reused multiple times without cutting, as the liner installation is completed before the bladder is closed for inflation.
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
This solution ensures proper inflation and curing of liners, reduces cleanup time, minimizes launcher device damage, and allows for efficient reuse of bladders, thereby reducing costs and increasing productivity by accommodating various pipe diameters and lengths without the need for multiple launchers.
Implementation Method 1
the bladder must be inflated at the same time in some embodiments. This increases the internal pressure on the connection between the main and lateral bladder
Implementation Method 2
a liner tube and/or a main line liner member against the wall of a lateral pipe and the junction of a main and lateral pipe. The liner is then inflated with a fluid and a resinous material is allowed to cure and harden
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved method and assembly for repairing a pipe or the junction of two pipes, such as sewer pipes. The assembly includes a launcher device having a launcher device body, a launcher device opening disposed on the launcher device body, and a main bladder substantially surrounding the launcher device body. The main bladder includes an opening that substantially aligns with the launcher device opening. The assembly further includes an absorbent liner and a lateral bladder having a tubular lateral bladder body portion and a flange portion. The flange portion of the lateral bladder is attached to the exterior of the launcher device body. A method of using the assembly includes impregnating the liner with resinous material; inserting at least a portion of the liner into the lateral bladder; inflating the bladders; pressing the liner against the pipe; and allowing the resinous material to cure and harden.