Wrap-around Irrigation Tube Patch for Rapid Leak Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible irrigation tubing is prone to damage from various causes, leading to water leaks and requiring labor-intensive repair methods, necessitating a quick and inexpensive solution for sealing damaged sections.
Innovation Solution
A wrap-around irrigation tube patch made of flexible polymer film with a closure mechanism, matching the thickness and material of the irrigation tubing, is used to seal damaged sections by wrapping around the affected area and securing with closure members, such as adhesives or fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible irrigation tubing is used, then ease of installation and labor savings are improved, but the tubing becomes easily damaged and requires frequent repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing repair kits with multiple patches and closure members in advance. These repair components are prepared and stored before damage occurs, enabling immediate repair when damage happens, thus maintaining the reliability of flexible tubing systems while preserving their installation advantages
2Reliability
If traditional repair methods are used (cutting damaged section and replacing with rigid tubing), then the leak is sealed, but the repair process is labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the repair task into separate components: a flexible polymer film patch and closure members. This segmentation allows the patch to be wrapped around the damaged area and secured with closure members, eliminating the need to cut out and replace entire sections of tubing, thus reducing repair time while maintaining effective leak sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a flexible polymer film patch that can conform to the curved surface of the irrigation tubing. This flexible patch wraps around the damaged section and is secured with closure members, providing an effective seal without requiring rigid replacement tubing, thereby significantly reducing repair time and labor
3Reliability
If traditional repair methods are used (cutting and replacing tubing sections), then the damage is repaired, but the process requires significant labor and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing repair kits with pre-divided components (patches and closure members) that can be independently applied. This segmentation simplifies the repair procedure by eliminating complex steps such as cutting, fitting rigid sections, and securing with wires, reducing both labor and procedural complexity while maintaining repair effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies cheap short-living objects by using disposable flexible polymer film patches that can be quickly applied and discarded after use. These inexpensive patches eliminate the need for complex repair procedures involving rigid tubing sections and wire securing, significantly reducing both labor requirements and procedural complexity while achieving effective leak sealing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an inexpensive wrap-around irrigation tube patch composed of a thin, flexible polymer film and having a closure mechanism for quickly and effectively wrapping and sealing the patch around a damaged section of irrigation tubing. In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for sealing water leaks in irrigation tubing, the method including wrapping a wrap-around irrigation tube patch around a damaged section of irrigation tubing and sealing said patch around the irrigation tubing via a closure mechanism.