Variable-Flex Spring Assembly for Pipe Inspection Push-Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-cables with single coil springs face difficulties in maneuvering around turns and obstacles within pipes due to their rigidity, often becoming stuck or blocked during pipe inspection or cleaning operations.

Innovation Solution

A push-cable system with a spring assembly featuring varying flexibility, comprising an outer coiled spring and one or more nested inner springs of different lengths, arranged such that the front section is more flexible than the rear section, allowing for easier bending and navigation through pipes while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single coil spring with uniform flexibility is used in the push-cable, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the push-cable cannot effectively maneuver around turns or obstacles within pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuverability around turns and obstaclesVSAvoidspring assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring assembly is divided into multiple sections with different flexibility characteristics. The front section has higher flexibility to navigate turns and obstacles, while the rear section has lower flexibility to maintain structural integrity and transmit pushing force effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the spring assembly have different flexibility properties tailored to their specific functions. The front section is designed to be more flexible for maneuvering, while the rear section is designed to be stiffer for force transmission, creating local quality variations throughout the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a rigid push-cable is used, then structural integrity and pushing force transmission are maintained, but the push-cable cannot bend around curves or navigate complex pipe geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate curves and complex geometriesVSAvoidstructural integrity and pushing force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The push-cable is segmented into a rigid rear portion for force transmission and a flexible front portion with spring assemblies for navigation, allowing each section to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The push-cable exhibits local quality variations where the front section has enhanced flexibility through spring assemblies to navigate curves, while the rear section maintains rigidity for effective pushing force transmission throughout the cable length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a single spring assembly is used, then the device complexity is low, but it is frequently inadequate in avoiding becoming blocked or stuck within pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to avoid becoming blocked or stuckVSAvoidspring assembly configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring assembly is segmented into multiple sections with varying flexibility, allowing the front section to flex around obstacles while the rear section maintains structural support, significantly reducing the likelihood of becoming blocked or stuck.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring assembly may include nested spring structures where inner springs are positioned within outer springs, creating a compact multi-layered configuration that provides progressive flexibility and obstacle negotiation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 system enhances the ability to navigate complex pipe geometries, reduces the likelihood of becoming stuck, and provides a fail-safe mechanism for securing inspection devices, improving the efficiency and reliability of pipe inspection and cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

The nested inner spring may, for example, function as a fail-safe for securing the pipe inspection device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the spring assembly may include an outer coiled spring having a proximal and a distal end, and an inner coiled spring nested at least partially within the outer coiled spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11550214B1Spring assemblies with variable flexibility for use with push-cables and pipe inspection systems

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 SEESCAN INC

AI summary

Push-cables and associated apparatus for pipe inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a pipe inspection system includes a camera head, a push-cable including an outer covering enclosing a plurality of electrical conductors for transmitting signals and/or power between the camera head and an electronic device operatively coupled to the push-cable, and a spring assembly disposed about the push-cable near the distal end where the spring assembly comprises a spring with a tapered flex section having a varying cross-sectional area and/or a varying cross-sectional shape.