What it does
This product targets sludge blockages in urban drainage. Featuring a modular telescopic structure and pneumatic control, it is waterproof, explosion-proof, and fits various pipe sizes. It enables fast emergency response and improves municipal efficiency.
Your inspiration
Field research revealed that traditional desilting methods heavily rely on manual labor and are constrained by narrow inspection shafts, hazardous gas environments, and complex pipe conditions. This design was inspired by the scalability of parallel mechanical structures and modular systems. By integrating these concepts with the spatial limitations and high-frequency maintenance demands of urban pipelines, the solution envisions an intelligent desilting device capable of entering through small-diameter manholes and adapting to various pipe sizes—ensuring operational safety while improving efficiency and environmental adaptability.
How it works
The driving system adopts a pneumatic telescopic leg structure combined with a wheeled mobility mechanism, enabling stable movement within pipelines. A rotary cutting head is installed at the front to loosen and break down sedimented sludge, which is then transported to the surface through flexible hoses. The monitoring module provides real-time data on water depth and sludge thickness, ensuring operational precision and safety. The rear section is equipped with a wall-bracing mechanism that stabilizes the device and generates forward propulsion. The equipment features a highly modular design, allowing each functional module to be quickly replaced or upgraded for flexible task configurations. The entire system can be remotely operated, eliminating the need for manual entry into the pipeline and greatly enhancing both safety and efficiency.
Design process
This design originated from practical needs. It began with research into the current state of urban drainage systems and the limitations of traditional desilting equipment, identifying the urgent need for a highly adaptive, intelligent, and efficient solution. In the conceptual phase, the core idea was proposed: a "foldable and telescopic structure + modular functional units" to address the challenges of narrow manhole entry and variable pipeline environments. The design then progressed into structural modeling and functional division, resulting in a system composed of pneumatic telescopic legs, wheeled drive, rotary cutting heads, sludge pumping units, and monitoring modules. During the mid-stage, 3D modeling and structural analysis were conducted to verify the stability of the telescopic system, followed by detailed adjustments to optimize maneuverability and desilting performance. The final integration stage focused on control logic and modular compatibility, enabling remote operation and flexible module replacement. Throughout the process, the design emphasized real-world applicability and combined mechanical structures, sensor technologies, and system control to ensure both engineering feasibility and strong potential for large-scale deployment.
How it is different
The uniqueness of this design lies in its high level of integration, strong adaptability, and modular structural innovation. Traditional desilting equipment is often limited by pipeline diameters, narrow access points, and complex working environments. In contrast, this device utilizes pneumatic telescopic legs combined with a parallel support structure, allowing it to enter through inspection wells as small as 500mm and expand to operate within pipelines ranging from 500mm to 900mm—overcoming the spatial limitations of conventional machinery. Furthermore, the system integrates rotary cutting, sludge extraction, environmental monitoring, mobility, and wall-bracing mechanisms to achieve fully intelligent and unmanned operation. Its modular design enables rapid maintenance, component replacement, and functional upgrades, greatly enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
Future plans
To advance the practical implementation of this design, key modules will be prototyped and tested to verify the reliability of the telescopic structure, pneumatic drive, and desilting system. The next step includes full system integration and the development of a remote control platform for intelligent operation. Performance will be evaluated under various conditions, followed by structural optimization to enhance usability and safety. A market-oriented feasibility analysis will also be conducted to support future mass production and application.
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