Two-Part Trenchless Pipe Removal Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trenchless pipe removal methods face challenges such as misalignment, deformation of the removal component, and increased force requirements due to the use of soft steel components and variable pipe end cuts, which can lead to pipe splitting and safety hazards during underground pipe replacement.
Innovation Solution
A two-part pipe removal component with a first part made of soft steel for securement to the cable and a second part made of hard steel for engaging the pipe, featuring cooperating elements like a projecting boss and concavity for alignment and a tapered recess to minimize misalignment and deformation, allowing for automatic engagement and reduced force requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a soft steel component is used to secure the cable, then the cable connection is secure under tensile loads, but the component deforms when engaging the pipe end
Solution Approach 1:
The removal component is divided into two separate parts: a soft steel cable securing part and a hard steel pipe engaging part. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the soft steel part provides secure cable attachment while the hard steel part maintains dimensional stability and alignment precision during pipe engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining two different steel materials with distinct properties. The soft steel (e.g., 220M07) is used for the cable securing portion where ductility is needed, while hard steel is used for the pipe engaging portion where strength and dimensional stability are critical. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction between needing softness for cable security and hardness for alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the winch is stopped to align the component with the pipe end, then proper alignment can be achieved, but the operation time increases and safety risks arise from manual guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The hard steel portion of the component is designed with self-aligning features that automatically guide the component into proper alignment with the pipe end during the pulling operation. The precision engineering of the hard steel engagement surfaces allows the component to self-correct alignment deviations without requiring the winch to be stopped or manual intervention, thus maintaining alignment precision while reducing operation time and safety risks.
3Device complexity
If a single-piece component is used, then the structure is simple, but the component cannot be optimized for both cable securement and pipe engagement functions
Solution Approach 1:
The component is segmented into two distinct parts that can be separately optimized for their specific functions. The first part is designed specifically for cable securement using soft steel properties, while the second part is designed for pipe engagement using hard steel properties. This segmentation enables functional optimization that would be impossible in a single-piece component, while the overall device complexity remains manageable through modular design.
4Force
If the collar has a sharp leading end to minimize pulling force, then the force required to pull the pipe is reduced, but the collar is more susceptible to deformation during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The collar function is distributed across two parts made of different materials. The hard steel part provides the structural strength and deformation resistance needed for engagement, while the overall component design maintains the sharp leading end geometry for minimizing pulling force. The hard material ensures that even with the sharp geometry, the collar resists deformation during the engagement process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
This invention relates to an improved component (10) for replacing pipes, in particular underground pipes. The invention also relates to a trenchless method of removing pipes using the improved component, and a kit of parts for use in removing pipes. The improved component (10) is securable to a cable (14) and has a body (30) with a recess (26) to accommodate the end (18) of the pipe (12) in use, the recess being surrounded by a collar (24). The improved component is a two-part component, the first part (20) being securable to the cable (14) and the second part (22) including the body, the two parts being made of different materials. There is also provided a kit of parts including cooperating alignment elements of standard dimensions, and a method of removing an underground pipe.