Tether Support for Long-Route Pipe Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maintenance systems face challenges with long supply tethers that increase weight and restrict movement, often getting caught or kinked, limiting access to distant and complex locations within structures like pipes, where they are needed for inspection and repair.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a maintenance apparatus and a support apparatus with a tether support device that can propel and reposition the tether to prevent entanglement and weight-related issues, allowing for longer routes and more complex navigation while maintaining power and material supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the supply tether length is increased to reach distant repair sites, then the coverage range is improved, but the tether weight increases and restricts movement of the maintenance apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single long tether into multiple shorter tether segments that can be individually managed and deployed. Each segment can be independently controlled, allowing the maintenance apparatus to navigate complex routes without being burdened by the full weight of a single long tether. The segments can be connected or disconnected as needed based on the specific route requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If the supply tether length is increased to extend reach, then the coverage distance is improved, but the tether becomes prone to entanglement and damage
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tether into multiple shorter sections with connection points, the patent reduces the risk of complete tether failure. If one segment becomes damaged or entangled, the maintenance apparatus can disconnect that segment and continue operation with remaining segments, maintaining system reliability while achieving extended coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic tether management where the tether configuration can change during operation. The tether can be reeled in, paid out, repositioned, and reconfigured based on real-time navigation requirements, allowing the system to adapt to complex routes while minimizing entanglement and damage risks.
3Length of stationary object
If a single long tether is used to reach distant sites, then the coverage range is improved, but the tether may become twisted or kinked impeding material flow
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented tether design allows each section to be independently managed for optimal material flow. Connection points between segments can be positioned to prevent twisting and kinking, and each segment can be tensioned appropriately to maintain smooth material flow through the tether system during navigation through complex routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic repositioning and reconfiguration of the tether segments during operation. The tether can be actively managed to maintain proper alignment and tension, preventing twisting and kinking that would impede material flow, while still achieving the necessary length to reach distant repair sites.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in maintaining a structure includes a maintenance apparatus including a maintenance drive system and a maintenance device. The system includes a support apparatus configured to travel in proximity to the structure. The support apparatus includes a body including a first end and a second end and a tether support device coupled to the body. The tether support device includes a housing. The support apparatus also includes a support drive system coupled to the body. The support drive system is configured to propel the support apparatus. The system also includes a tether including a first tether end, a second tether end, and a tether body extending between the first tether end and the second tether end. The maintenance apparatus is operably coupled to the first tether end. The tether support device is coupled to the tether between the first tether end and the second tether end.