Spiral UV Irradiation Structure for Variable-Diameter Pipe Lining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irradiation devices for cylindrical pipes require high-output light sources or extended irradiation times to achieve uniform illumination, and complex mechanisms to adjust height for varying pipe diameters, leading to inefficiencies and non-uniform irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A spiral-shaped arrangement of flexible substrates with light sources, rotatably coupled to adjust diameter, ensuring uniform irradiation across varying pipe diameters using low-output sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are arranged at the center of the pipe cavity to uniformly irradiate the pipe lining material, then uniform illumination is achieved for fixed pipe diameter, but higher-output light sources or extended irradiation time are required when light sources are distant from the pipe wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spiral arrangement of light sources along the cylindrical pipe, creating a curved distribution pattern that maintains consistent radial distance from the pipe wall. This spiral geometry ensures uniform irradiation intensity across the pipe circumference while keeping light sources close to the wall surface, eliminating the need for high-output sources.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are arranged at the center of the pipe cavity, then uniform irradiation is obtained for fixed pipe diameter, but uniform illumination is not obtained when pipe diameter varies due to different radial distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate that can dynamically adapt its diameter to match the pipe diameter. This dynamic configuration allows the light source arrangement to maintain optimal radial distance from the pipe wall regardless of pipe size variations, ensuring uniform irradiation across different pipe diameters without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible substrate to support the light sources, allowing the entire assembly to conform to pipes of varying diameters. This flexible structure enables the light sources to maintain consistent proximity to the pipe wall surface while adapting to different pipe sizes, achieving uniform irradiation without complex mechanical adjustments.
3Illumination intensity
If complex mechanisms are used to adjust the height of the irradiation device in accordance with pipe diameter, then uniform irradiation can be maintained for varying pipe diameters, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex height adjustment mechanisms with a simple flexible substrate that passively adapts to pipe diameter variations. The flexibility of the substrate allows the light source assembly to naturally conform to different pipe sizes through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or mechanical adjustment systems while maintaining uniform irradiation.
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
The spiral substrate configuration allows uniform irradiation regardless of pipe diameter changes, maintaining consistent light intensity and efficient irradiation with low-output sources.
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
Implementation Method 2
the photocurable resin is cured with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet light source
Data Source
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.