Tapered Spacer for Narrow Pipe Rehabilitation Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning a rehabilitating pipe within an existing pipe face challenges, particularly when the space between the outer circumference of the rehabilitating pipe and the inner wall is narrow or of varying dimensions, as they require multiple spacers and are not suitable for upward positioning, leading to difficulties in assembly and positioning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A spacer with an elongated shape and angled end portions, allowing for gradual width increase from top to bottom, enabling easy stacking and adjustment to fit various spaces, and facilitating smooth assembly by guiding the pipe units during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rectangular material spacer is used for positioning, then the spacer can be inserted between the pipes, but various types of rectangular materials with respective heights must be prepared according to space dimensions, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed with a tapered structure where one end has a larger cross-sectional area than the other end, allowing a single spacer design to accommodate multiple space dimensions. The larger end fits wider gaps while the smaller end fits narrower gaps, eliminating the need to prepare multiple types of rectangular spacers with different heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer's cross-sectional area varies along its length, creating a continuous gradient from larger to smaller area. This parameter change allows the spacer to adapt to different space dimensions without requiring multiple discrete spacer types, simplifying the preparation process while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two wedge-like members are stacked to adjust height, then height adjustment becomes easier, but the structure becomes more complex and is not suitable for narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into two distinct ends with different cross-sectional areas, allowing selective insertion based on space requirements. The smaller end can be inserted into narrow spaces while the larger end provides sufficient height when needed, combining the benefits of simplicity and adaptability in a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered spacer design allows the smaller end to effectively nest within the spatial constraints of narrow gaps, while the larger end extends outward to provide the necessary positioning height. This nested configuration enables the spacer to adapt to varying space dimensions without requiring multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If the rehabilitating pipe is positioned downward to ensure flow and strength, then fluid flow and structural strength are improved, but the spacer must be precisely fitted to narrow spaces at the lower side
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer's cross-sectional area is optimized locally at different positions: the larger end is positioned at locations requiring greater height or stability, while the smaller end is positioned in narrow spaces. This local quality variation allows the spacer to provide precise fit in constrained areas while maintaining sufficient positioning capability where space is available.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
Spacer for positioning a rehabilitating pipe in an existing pipe. The positioning can be easily and appropriately performed during the existing pipe regeneration work even when the space is narrow between the outer circumference of the rehabilitating pipe and the inner wall surface of the existing pipe. The spacer can be utilized as a guide. The spacer (50) for positioning a rehabilitating pipe has an elongated shape with both end portions in a longitudinal direction cut off at an angle. The spacer (50) has a transverse width increasing gradually in a thickness direction from an upper surface portion (51) to a bottom surface portion (52) and a space (55) formed in the bottom surface portion (52) to correspond to a shape of the upper surface portion (51), thereby allowing a plurality of the spacers (50) to be stacked on one another in the thickness direction.