Variable-Width Rehabilitating Pipe Segment for Curved Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe rehabilitation methods face challenges such as seam separation under external forces, inability to expand or contract, and complexity in assembling curved pipes, leading to functional losses and ruptures.
Innovation Solution
A rehabilitating pipe segment composed of variable-width segment halves that can adjust in the pipe length direction, allowing for increased width under tension and enabling simple assembly of curved pipes without special machining, using a braking member or not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed-width segment is used to construct a rehabilitating pipe, then the pipe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pipe cannot withstand tension from earthquake or other great forces causing seam separation and rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The segment width is made dynamically adjustable through the first and second segment halves that can move relative to each other in the pipe length direction. Under tension from earthquakes or other great forces, the segment width increases automatically, allowing the rehabilitating pipe to withstand external forces without seam separation or rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The segment is divided into a first segment half and a second segment half, which can move relative to each other. These halves are linked together by a convex plate and braking member that allow controlled movement. This segmentation enables the segment to expand in width under tension while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-width segment is used for rehabilitating a curved existing pipe, then the segment structure is simple, but special machining such as cutting at a slant is required making assembly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The variable width capability of the segment (through movable first and second segment halves) allows the segment to adapt to curved geometries without requiring pre-machining. The segment can be assembled in a straight configuration and then adjusted to form curves by changing the width, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly operations for curved pipes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the segment width is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the pipe cannot adapt to tension or curvature requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The segment incorporates movable first and second segment halves that can change the segment width in the pipe length direction. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the pipe to adapt to both tension forces (by expanding width) and curvature requirements (by adjusting width distribution), while the braking member controls the movement to prevent excessive separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The segment width parameter is made variable rather than fixed. The first and second segment halves can move relative to each other to change the width parameter in response to external forces or curvature requirements, enabling the pipe to adapt to different operational conditions.
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 solution enhances earthquake resistance and allows for the assembly of curved rehabilitating pipes in a straightforward manner, preventing ruptures and maintaining pipe functionality under external stress.
Implementation Method 1
The convex plate of the first segment half and a braking member for braking the first and second segment halves from separating are fitted into the concavity of the second segment half so as to link the first and second segment halves together.
Data Source
AI summary
A rehabilitating pipe segment for assembling a rehabilitating pipe inside an existing pipe. The rehabilitating pipe segment has first and second segment halves connectable together to provide for the rehabilitating pipe segment an internal surface plate and side and end plates surrounding peripheral edges of the internal surface plate. The first and second segment halves are configured to move relative to one another in a width direction of the rehabilitating pipe segment corresponding to a pipe length direction of the rehabilitating pipe so that the first and second pipe segment halves expand and contract to make the width of the rehabilitating pipe segment variable in the width direction of the rehabilitating pipe segment.