Adjustable Drain Pipe Positioner for Steam Drying Cylinders
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices for drain pipes in steam-heated drying cylinders are limited by the need for multiple sets due to varying groove depths, leading to inefficient stock-keeping and inconvenient mounting processes.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a supporting body and locking mechanism that allows the drain pipe to be adjusted and locked in place regardless of groove depth, using a multi-functional pin and ball joint connection to maintain the pipe's position and facilitate easy mounting across different cylinder diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a T-shaped pipe positioner with a carrying body is used to position drain pipes in grooves of specific depth, then the drain pipe can be securely locked in position, but multiple sets of pipe positioners with different dimensions are required for different groove depths
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe positioner is designed with an adjustable carrying body length that can be modified to match different groove depths. The carrying body can be extended or reduced in length, allowing a single universal pipe positioner design to accommodate multiple groove depths across different drying cylinder sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe positioner incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the carrying body length to be dynamically changed according to the specific groove depth requirements. This adjustability transforms a static, fixed-length component into a dynamic, adaptable component that can serve multiple functions across different applications.
2Reliability
If multiple sets of pipe positioners are maintained for different groove depths, then each set can be optimized for its specific application, but stock-keeping complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal pipe positioner with an adjustable carrying body, the system consolidates multiple specialized tools into one multi-functional device. This single universal positioner can be configured for different groove depths, thereby simplifying inventory management and reducing the number of different pipe positioner sets that need to be stock-kept.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-length carrying body is used in the pipe positioner, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot accommodate different groove depths without redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying body is designed with an adjustable length mechanism that allows it to be configured for different groove depths while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic adjustment capability adds versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the adjustment mechanism can be integrated into the existing T-shaped pipe positioner design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for positioning a drain pipe (6) of a draining system in a drying cylinder (1) the jacket (2) of which has inner circumferential grooves (3) for condensate which is formed as a result of heat transfer, said draining system comprising an outlet means and a plurality of drain pipes which are connected to the outlet means, wherein the draining system removes the condensate from the grooves via the drain pipes and the outlet means, wherein the device has a pipe positioner (40) which is disposed within an end portion (9) of the drain pipe located closest to the jacket, said pipe positioner comprising a supporting body (41) resting on the top surfaces (30) of two adjacent ridges (5), and a locking device (54) for fixing the drain pipe to the pipe positioner (40), which has a first through hole (48) for receiving the drain pipe (6), and a second hole (49) for receiving the locking device, said second hole opening into the first hole. According to the invention, the first hole (48) is disposed in the supporting body, wherein the portion (51) of the locking device that is located in the supporting body is provided with a third through hole (52), interacting with and being aligned with the first hole of the supporting body, so that the drain pipe extends through both the supporting body and the locking device, wherein the locking device encloses the drain pipe (6) and is brought to a locked position in interaction with supporting body (41).