Variable-Flex Spring Assembly for Push-Cable Pipe Navigation
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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 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 stability at the connection point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
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 becomes rigid and difficult to maneuver around turns and obstacles in pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is divided into multiple coil springs with different flexibility characteristics arranged in series. Each spring segment can independently deform to accommodate different bending requirements, allowing the push-cable to navigate turns and obstacles while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the spring assembly have different flexibility properties. The front section contains more flexible springs to facilitate bending around turns, while the rear section has stiffer springs to maintain pushing force and stability during insertion.
2Force
If a rigid push-cable is used, then the pushing force is maintained effectively, but the push-cable cannot navigate around turns or obstacles in curved pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly provides dynamic flexibility that allows the push-cable to adapt its shape in real-time as it encounters different pipe geometries. The springs compress and extend based on the bending requirements, enabling the cable to maintain pushing force while navigating complex routes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coil springs are nested or arranged in series within the push-cable structure, creating a hierarchical flexibility system where inner and outer springs work together to provide both local bending capability and overall structural support.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible spring assembly is used to navigate turns, then the push-cable can maneuver around obstacles, but the pushing force and stability at the connection point are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is designed with spatially varying flexibility, where front springs have higher flexibility for bending and rear springs have lower flexibility for maintaining pushing force. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve maneuverability and force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly is segmented into functional zones: a front flexible zone for navigation and a rear stiff zone for force application. Each zone is optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
4Device complexity
If uniform flexibility is provided throughout the spring assembly, then the structure is simple, but the push-cable cannot optimize bending at different sections for navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is divided into multiple discrete spring segments with different flexibility characteristics, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific navigation requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the spring assembly have different flexibility properties tailored to their specific functions, with the front section being more flexible for bending and the rear section being stiffer for force transmission, creating a functionally optimized structure.
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 through curved pipes and avoid obstacles by varying the flexibility along the spring assembly, reducing the likelihood of the push-cable becoming stuck or blocked, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly having varying flexibility coupled to or near the distal end. 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
Data Source
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.