Spiral UV Irradiation Structure for Variable Pipe Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irradiation devices for pipe lining materials face challenges in achieving uniform irradiation across varying pipe diameters, requiring higher-output light sources or extended irradiation times, and necessitating complex mechanisms for adjusting the device height.

Innovation Solution

The irradiation device features a spiral arrangement of long flexible substrates with light sources, coupled with reverse spiral substrates, allowing for uniform irradiation across varying pipe diameters without the need for complex height adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If light sources are arranged at the center of the pipe cavity to irradiate the pipe lining material, then the irradiation device can be simplified in structure, but the light intensity becomes insufficient and irradiation time must be extended when the pipe diameter is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation device structureVSAvoidirradiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-plane radial arrangement to a three-dimensional spiral arrangement. The substrates are wound in a spiral pattern around the pipe cavity, with light sources positioned on both the outer and inner circumferential surfaces. This dimensional transformation allows light sources to approach the pipe wall from multiple radial distances simultaneously, achieving both structural simplicity and high irradiation efficiency.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the irradiation device is designed for a fixed pipe diameter, then uniform irradiation is achieved for that specific diameter, but the device cannot adapt when the pipe diameter varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation uniformityVSAvoidpipe diameter adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adaptability through the spiral substrate configuration. The substrates are flexible and can be wound with different pitch and diameter parameters to match various pipe sizes. The spiral structure naturally adjusts the radial distance between light sources and the pipe wall according to the pipe diameter, maintaining uniform irradiation across different pipe sizes without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If higher-output light sources are used to compensate for increased radial distance, then irradiation intensity is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensity at pipe wallVSAvoidlight source energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning light sources in two distinct locations: on the outer circumferential surface and on the inner circumferential surface of the spiral substrate. This creates zones of different irradiation characteristics - outer light sources irradiate areas farther from the pipe wall while inner light sources irradiate areas closer to the wall. Each light source operates at optimal power levels for its specific position, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining uniform overall irradiation intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration ensures uniform irradiation with consistent light intensity across different pipe diameters, allowing for efficient curing of photocurable resins using low-output light sources and eliminating the need for complex height adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of long flexible first substrates disposed in a spiral at regular intervals on a columnar surface and provided with a plurality of light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the photocurable resin is cured with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocurable resin curing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP4556198A1Irradiation device
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 SHONAN GOSEI JUSHI SEISAKUSHO KK
  • EP4556198A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4556198A1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP4556198A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A plurality of flexible substrates 10 disposed in a spiral at regular intervals on a columnar surface and provided with a plurality of light sources; and the same number of flexible substrates 20 disposed in a reverse spiral. Both substrates are disposed to cause one end portion of each substrate to cross each other and also to cause the other end portion to cross the other end portion of each corresponding substrate in accordance with a spiral shape. Both substrates are rotatably coupled to each other in crossing areas at both end portions and other crossing areas where they cross each other in accordance with the spiral shape.