Spring-Sleeve Pipe Stent for Leak Repair Without Shutdown
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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 infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A stent comprising a spring and a sealing layer, configurable in compressed and expanded orientations, is inserted into the pipe to position itself near leaks, where it expands to create a watertight seal, preventing further leakage without disrupting fluid flow or requiring extensive excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then the pipe leak is sealed, but the piping system must be shut off and extensive construction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is designed to self-expand upon insertion into the pipe, using its inherent elastic memory to automatically seal the leak without requiring external activation or system shutdown. The device serves itself by transforming from a compressed delivery state to an expanded functional state within the pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The stent is pre-compressed into a compact configuration that allows it to be delivered through the pipe to the leak location before deployment. This preliminary compression enables the device to reach the target site without requiring system shutdown or extensive construction access
2Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then the pipe leak is sealed, but costly and time-consuming construction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The stent automatically expands and seals the leak upon insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual sealing operations, welding, or extensive construction work. The self-expanding mechanism rapidly deploys the sealing function at the leak site
Solution Approach 2:
The stent is pre-configured in a compressed state for rapid delivery through the pipe to the leak location, enabling quick positioning and immediate deployment without requiring extensive construction access or prolonged repair time
3Ease of operation
If a stent is compressed for insertion, then it can be inserted into the pipe, but the expansion ratio must be sufficient to seal the leak
Solution Approach 1:
The stent transitions dynamically from a compressed low-profile configuration during insertion to an expanded high-strength configuration during sealing. This dynamic transformation allows the device to optimize its dimensions for both delivery and functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The stent undergoes a controlled parameter change in its dimensional configuration, expanding from a compressed state with sufficient radial clearance for leak sealing to a deployed state that maintains adequate sealing pressure against the pipe wall
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 efficient and minimally invasive pipe repair by maintaining fluid flow during the process, reducing costs and time associated with traditional repair methods by creating a durable seal that adds structural integrity to the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
a stent comprising a spring and a seal, the stent configurable in a compressed orientation, wherein the spring is compressed, and an expanded orientation, wherein the spring is expanded
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of a stent for repairing a pipe and a method for repairing a pipe are disclosed. The stent for repairing a pipe can comprise a spring comprising a metal wire and defining a tubular structure, the spring defining an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a void, an axis extending through the void; and a sealing layer defining a sleeve, the sealing layer wrapped around a circumference of the spring and engaging the outer surface of the spring; the stent configurable in a compressed configuration, wherein the spring is compressed, and an expanded configuration, wherein the spring is expanded