Wedge Spacer for Stepwise Pipe Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the position of a rehabilitating pipe within an existing pipe, such as sewer pipes, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring multiple spacer types and complex procedures like screw hole fabrication and plugging, which hinder efficient positioning adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A spacer system comprising a first and second wedge-shaped member, inclined at a prescribed angle, with latching means allowing stepwise height adjustment by moving the second wedge-shaped member in the insertion direction, enabling simple and rapid positional adjustments without the need for multiple spacer types or complex downstream procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a squared member or bolt is used as a spacer to adjust the position of the rehabilitating pipe, then the position can be adjusted, but multiple types of spacers must be prepared and complex procedures (screw hole fabrication and plugging) are required, increasing labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed with a wedge-shaped member that can be dynamically adjusted in height by inserting it at different depths into the gap between the pipes. This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for multiple fixed-height spacers, allowing a single spacer type to accommodate various gap dimensions and position adjustment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer's effective height is changed by varying the insertion depth of the wedge-shaped member into the gap. By changing this geometric parameter (insertion depth), the spacer can provide different height adjustments without requiring multiple spacer types, thus simplifying the device while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Productivity
If conventional spacers are used for position adjustment, then positioning can be achieved, but the process requires significant labor and time for preparation and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into a wedge-shaped member and a base member, where the wedge-shaped portion can be independently inserted and adjusted. This segmentation allows for quick insertion and adjustment without complex assembly procedures, significantly reducing the time and labor required for position adjustment compared to conventional spacers that require screw hole fabrication and plugging.
3Ease of manufacture
If the rehabilitating pipe is made of plastic material with specific gravity lower than the filler, then the pipe is easier to install, but the pipe floats above the filler and requires downward pressing for proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped spacer acts as an intermediary device between the floating plastic rehabilitating pipe and the filler. By inserting the wedge-shaped spacer into the gap, it provides mechanical support that counteracts the buoyancy force, holding the pipe in the desired position without requiring additional downward pressing operations. This mediator device simplifies the positioning process while maintaining the advantages of using lightweight plastic material.
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 spacer system allows for quick and straightforward positional adjustments of the rehabilitating pipe, reducing labor and time required for positioning, and can be easily adapted to various gap dimensions with minimal components, enhancing the efficiency of pipe rehabilitation work.
Implementation Method 1
a first wedge-shaped member 14 that is inclined at a prescribed angle; a second wedge-shaped member 15 that is inclined at an angle the same as the inclination angle of the first wedge-shaped member
Implementation Method 2
latching means that makes the second wedge-shaped member movable toward the first wedge-shaped member in the insertion direction and latches at a plurality of latch positions so that it cannot move in the reverse direction
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer is constituted by overlapping on a first wedge-shaped member, whose upper surface is inclined at a prescribed angle, a second wedge-shaped member, whose lower surface is inclined at the same angle. This spacer is inserted in the gap between a inner wall surface of an existing pipe and the outer periphery of a rehabilitating pipe. Latching teeth are formed in the inclined surfaces of the first and second wedge-shaped members so that, when pressing the second wedge-shaped member to move it toward the first wedge-shaped member in the insertion direction, it cannot move in the direction the reverse of the insertion direction. Upon moving the second wedge-shaped member to the respective latch positions, the overall height of the spacer is successively increased in steps at a fine pitch, thus enabling the adjustment of the position of the rehabilitating pipe with respect to the existing pipe to be performed simply.