Spring-Constricted Pipe Repair Stent for In-Pipe Leak Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piping systems face breaks in pipe walls, leading to leaks, which require costly and time-consuming repairs that often necessitate shutting down the system and extensive construction, including digging up streets and sidewalks.
Innovation Solution
A stent comprising a plurality of minor springs connected in a series around its circumference, with movable spring constrictors that allow the stent to change configuration from a compressed to an expanded state, enabling it to be inserted into a pipe and expand to engage the inner wall for sealing leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then leaks can be fixed, but the piping system must be shut off and extensive construction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is divided into multiple minor springs connected in series around the circumference, allowing the device to be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded segment by segment to seal the leak without shutting down the entire piping system
Solution Approach 2:
The stent spring is designed to be nested within itself in a compressed configuration for insertion, then expanded to engage the pipe wall, enabling minimally invasive repair without extensive construction
2Reliability
If the stent spring is in an expanded configuration, then it can engage the pipe wall effectively, but it cannot be inserted into the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The stent spring is designed with dynamic configurability, allowing it to transition from a compressed low-diameter state for insertion to an expanded high-diameter state for effective pipe wall engagement, solving the contradiction between insertability and engagement effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Spring constrictors act as intermediaries to control the expansion of minor springs, allowing the stent to be inserted in a compressed state and then gradually expanded to the appropriate diameter for engaging the pipe wall
3Length of moving object
If minor springs are constricted, then the stent diameter is reduced for insertion, but the sealing capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is inserted in a compressed state as a preliminary action, then expanded in place to achieve the sealing capability, separating the insertion phase from the sealing phase to resolve the contradiction between reduced diameter for insertion and sealing capability
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 stent allows for minimally invasive pipe repair by expanding within the pipe to create a watertight seal, reducing the need for system shutdown and extensive construction, thus minimizing costs and disruption.
Implementation Method 1
a stent spring for a stent comprising a plurality of minor springs connected in a series around a circumference of the stent spring, each of the minor springs defining a first leg and a second leg
Implementation Method 2
a spring constrictor engaged with each of the minor springs, each of the spring constrictors movable between a first position, wherein the corresponding minor spring defines a first maximum width, and a second position, wherein the corresponding minor spring defines a second maximum width that is greater than the first maximum width
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of a stent spring for a stent, a stent for repairing a pipe, and a method for repairing a pipe are disclosed. The stent spring for a stent can comprise a plurality of minor springs connected in a series around a circumference of the stent spring, each of the minor springs defining a first leg and a second leg; and a spring constrictor engaged with each of the minor springs, each of the spring constrictors movable between a first position, wherein the corresponding minor spring defines a first maximum width, and a second position, wherein the corresponding minor spring defines a second maximum width that is greater than the first maximum width.