Stretchable Liner Sleeve for Manhole Chimney Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manhole repair methods require precise measurements for custom-tailored liners, leading to increased costs and vulnerabilities due to lack of stretchability, resulting in potential water infiltration and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable, universal liner sleeve that can expand up to 150% of its unstretched diameter, impregnated with resin and installed using fluid pressure or an inflatable bladder to ensure a seamless fit and bond with the manhole chimney, eliminating annular spaces and folds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom-tailored liners are used for each manhole, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized liner size that can be used across multiple manhole configurations. The liner is engineered with stretchable material properties that allow it to adapt to various manhole dimensions without requiring custom fabrication for each structure, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing material with variable physical properties - specifically, a stretchable fabric that can change its dimensional parameters (circumferential stretch up to 150%) to match different manhole measurements. This allows a single liner design to accommodate multiple measurement scenarios through material deformation rather than through custom design variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If non-stretchable liner materials are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying manhole sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses this contradiction by changing the material parameter of stretchability. The liner uses a fabric material that can stretch circumferentially up to 150% of its original diameter, allowing the same precisely-manufactured liner to adapt to various manhole sizes. This material property change enables both manufacturing precision and size adaptability to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, rigid liner structure to a dynamic, flexible one. The stretchable fabric allows the liner to dynamically adjust its circumference during installation and service, accommodating dimensional variations in different manholes while maintaining the manufacturing precision of the base liner design.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise measurements are required for liner installation, then liner fit is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces measurement and installation time by applying universality - a single standardized liner design can be used across multiple manhole types without requiring precise custom measurements for each structure. The stretchable material provides sufficient adaptability to achieve adequate fit through simplified measurement procedures, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with measurement and installation activities.
4Ease of operation
If annular spaces exist between liner and chimney wall, then installation ease is improved, but water infiltration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates annular spaces and prevents water infiltration by utilizing the stretchability parameter of the fabric material. The liner can stretch to fully engage with the chimney wall surface, creating a tight fit that prevents water migration while maintaining ease of installation through the same material flexibility that enables the stretching action.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, durable, and efficient method for repairing manholes of varying sizes, preventing water infiltration and ensuring a smooth interior surface, thus enhancing structural integrity and maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The stretchable nature of the liner assures that when the repair process is complete, no annular spaces exist between the liner and the chimney wall, and no folds exist in the liner so as to provide a smooth, wrinkle-free interior surface for the chimney. The liner sleeve is stretched using fluid pressure acting directly on the interior of the sleeve or through an inflatable bladder inserted into the sleeve.
Implementation Method 2
A method of repairing a manhole chimney by inserting a resin-impregnated sleeve into the chimney and stretching the sleeve circumferentially into engagement with the chimney, and then allowing the resin to cure in place so as to bond the sleeve to the chimney.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of repairing and renewing a manhole chimney utilizes a circumferentially stretchable liner sleeve which is inserted into the manhole and pressed by an inflatable bladder into engagement with the walls of the manhole chimney. The sleeve is coated with an uncured resin, which is allowed to cure as the sleeve is pressed against the chimney walls, thereby attaching the sleeve to the walls of the manhole chimney. The stretchable sleeve eliminates air spaces between the sleeve and the chimney walls, and precludes formation of undesirable folds in the sleeve. The sleeve stretches circumferentially up to 150% of its unstretched diameter, while having a substantially unstretchable length.