Flexible Spiral Auger Drain Piping to Prevent Engine Sludge Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain piping systems in engines are prone to blockages due to the buildup of deposits from lubricating oil mixed with heavy and solid components, leading to inefficient and unsafe operation, particularly during abnormal conditions, requiring frequent and hazardous manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An automatic cleaning system with a centreless flexible spiral auger mounted within the piping system, utilizing a shaft seal and a removable settling pan to prevent deposit buildup by keeping solid particles in motion with the flowing liquid, and allowing for adjustable rotation speed, driven by various motors or manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centreless flexible spiral auger is used to remove sludge, then the reliability of sludge removal is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting brackets and flexible coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible spiral auger instead of a rigid one, allowing the auger to bend and adapt to the curved geometry of the drain piping system. This flexibility enables reliable sludge removal throughout the entire piping length without requiring complex rigid mounting structures at every bend and junction point.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible spiral auger is designed to be self-mounting within the drain piping system, utilizing the existing pipe geometry rather than requiring extensive external support structures. The auger automatically conforms to the pipe shape during installation and operation, reducing the need for additional mounting brackets and complex installation procedures.
2Productivity
If manual cleaning of drain piping is performed, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity and cleaning effectiveness deteriorate due to inadequate reach and persistent blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated flexible spiral auger system driven by a motor. This substitution eliminates the need for manual insertion and operation of cleaning tools, significantly improving cleaning productivity and consistency while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the use of flexible rather than rigid mechanical components.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid spiral augers are used in drain piping, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to curved piping geometry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid spiral auger to a dynamic flexible spiral auger that can change its configuration during operation. The flexible auger adapts its shape to match the dynamic geometry of the drain piping system, including bends and curves, while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled flexibility and appropriate material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible spiral auger is constructed using flexible materials or a flexible core structure that allows it to bend and conform to curved piping geometries. This flexibility enables the auger to navigate complex pipe layouts while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to perform the sludge removal function effectively.
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
Prevents blockages, reduces manual cleaning hours and chemical usage, ensuring safe and reliable engine operation by maintaining pipe cleanliness and readiness for abnormal flow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a slow rotating centreless flexible spiral auger (13) which is fixed mounted in the drain piping system for conveying sludge and debris
Implementation Method 2
a water jet nozzle (12) which is fixed mounted in the drain piping system for removing sludge and debris
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the invention is to constant avoiding build-up of deposit inside the drain pipes during normal operation. The invention will prevent partly or full blockage of the drain piping. The invention will help to trouble free, reliable and safe continued operation of two -stroke crosshead type engines. The invention will give dramatic savings in man-hours, cleaning chemicals and materials used during manual pipe cleaning. The invention is suitable for mounting during construction of new engines as well as for retrofit. The purpose of the very slow rotating auger is solely to keep heavy, solid and slow flowing particles moving along with the freely flowing oil, thus avoiding deposit building up inside the pipe. The slow rotation speed of the auger inside the pipe creates a scraping action on the lower part of the pipe inner wall, thereby keeping heavy, solid and slow flowing particles in motion.