Slip Mold Diverter for Pipe Lining Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe lining methods are inefficient and costly due to the difficulty in preventing flow into intersecting pipes, requiring labor-intensive secondary operations to clear blockages, and are not adaptable for complex geometries or intersecting pipes.
Innovation Solution
A slip molding apparatus with a dispense head, slip mold, guide, and movable diverter that prevents flow into intersecting pipes by diverting the lining material, allowing for precise application and use in complex geometries, and enabling the use of various materials and reinforcing agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a form is used to produce a lining in a pipe, then the pipe can be lined with protective material, but the form allows flow into intersecting pipes causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic feature of the form that allows material flow into intersecting pipes. The form is designed with sealed ends and blocking mechanisms that prevent material from entering intersecting pipes, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the lining function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as blocking members, seals, and diverters that act as mediators between the lining material flow and the intersecting pipes. These intermediaries redirect the material flow away from intersecting pipes while allowing the main pipe to be lined effectively.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed forms are inserted into pipes for lining, then concrete or settable material can be introduced, but the forms must be removed after setting which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable forms that are left in place after the lining material sets. These forms serve their purpose of shaping the lining and then remain as part of the final structure or are easily removed without requiring complex retrieval operations, significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the form with the final lining structure by designing forms that become integrated into or remain with the set lining. This eliminates the separate removal step and combines the forming and final structure functions into a unified system.
3Reliability
If traditional forms are used for pipe lining, then lining can be applied, but the process is not adaptable for complex geometries or intersecting pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the form into multiple segments or sections that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the form to adapt to complex pipe geometries and intersecting configurations by assembling different segments to match the specific layout of the pipe network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic and adjustable form components that can be repositioned, rotated, or reconfigured during the lining process. This dynamic capability enables the form to accommodate various pipe diameters, angles, and intersecting patterns, providing versatility for complex geometries.
4Manufacturing precision
If lining material is dispensed through a form, then the pipe interior can be coated, but labor-intensive secondary operations are needed to clear blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating blocking mechanisms and flow control features into the form design before material dispensing begins. These features preemptively prevent material from entering intersecting pipes, eliminating the need for subsequent blockage clearance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary flow control elements such as diverters, seals, and blocking members that mediate the material flow path. These intermediaries guide the lining material exclusively into the main pipe while preventing entry into intersecting pipes, thereby avoiding blockages without requiring secondary clearance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A slip molding apparatus (10) for lining a pipe (12) includes a dispense head (20) adapted to engage an interior surface (14) of a pipe (12) and to dispense a lining material, a slip mold (38) pulled by the dispense head (20) and having a leading end (42) and a trailing end (44), wherein the trailing end (44) has a greater diameter than a diameter of the leading end (42), at least one camera (58) disposed on the dispense head (20) to provide a view of the interior surface (14) of the pipe (12), a guide (46) connected to the dispense head (20) and the slip mold (38) for guiding the lining material dispensed by the dispense head (20) about the slip mold (38), and a movable diverter (52) on the slip mold (38) cooperating with the guide (46) to divert a flow of lining material dispensed by the dispense head (20) about the slip mold (38).