Adjustable Pipe Segment Fork Tool for Ergonomic Trench Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for assembling and disassembling pipe segments in sewage systems are ergonomically unhealthy, physically demanding, and limited in handling flexibility, particularly in situations with restricted access, such as near foundations where pipe segments transition from underground to above ground.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an elongate shaft and fork elements connected via a sprocket and toothed racks for adjustable distance, combined with a pipe holder featuring pivotally suspended jaws for clamping and opening, allowing for improved handling, twisting, moving, and lifting of pipe segments while maintaining an ergonomic stance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual labor is used to assemble and disassemble pipe segments, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but physical strain and ergonomic health deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tool as an intermediary device between the worker and the pipe segments. This tool includes a shaft with fork elements that can be positioned around pipe segments, allowing the worker to apply force indirectly through the tool rather than directly handling the heavy pipes, thereby reducing physical strain while maintaining control and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The fork elements of the tool are designed to be adjustable in distance from each other, allowing the tool to adapt to different pipe segment diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the tool to maintain effectiveness across various pipe sizes without requiring multiple specialized tools, preserving handling flexibility while reducing ergonomic strain
2Device complexity
If fixed-distance fork elements are used in the tool, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different pipe diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fork elements are connected via adjustable connections that allow the distance between them to be modified. This dynamic structure enables the tool to accommodate different pipe diameters by adjusting the fork element spacing, providing versatility without requiring complete redesign for each pipe size
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into modular components including the shaft, adjustable fork elements, and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the fork elements while maintaining the overall tool structure, enabling adaptability to different pipe diameters without compromising structural simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable fork elements are implemented, then adaptability to different pipe diameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism allows the fork elements to be dynamically repositioned along the shaft to match different pipe diameters. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through a relatively simple mechanism that maintains the overall structural integrity while providing the necessary versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable fork element design allows a single tool to perform multiple functions across different pipe diameters. By making the fork elements adjustable, the tool becomes universal rather than specialized, reducing the need for multiple tools while managing complexity through a standardized adjustment mechanism
4Ease of manufacture
If rigid tool structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation in tight spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates adjustable and potentially movable components that allow it to adapt to confined spaces. The fork elements can be repositioned or reconfigured to navigate tight spaces around pipe segments, improving operability in restricted access areas while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through modular design
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (100) for handling pipes or pipe segments is disclosed. The tool comprises: an elongate shaft (4) having an upper end (6) and a lower end (8); wherein said lower end (8) of said shaft (4) is being connected to a fork portion (10); wherein said fork portion comprises a fork base (12); wherein a first fork element (14) extends in a downward direction from said fork base (12), at a first side (16) thereof; said first fork element comprises an upper end (18) and a lower end (20); wherein a second fork element (22) extends in a downward direction from said fork base (12), at a second side (24) thereof; said second fork element comprises an upper end (26) and a lower end (28); characterized in that said fork portion comprising adjustment means (30) for adjusting the mutual distance between said first fork element and said second fork element; said adjustment means (30) comprising: a slit (32); a first toothed rack (34), a second toothed rack (36), and a sprocket (38); wherein said fork base (12) comprises said slit (32), at a lower portion thereof and extending a longitudinal direction thereof; and wherein said first fork element (14) being connected to said first toothed rack (34), said first toothed rack being configured to be able to slide in said slit (32); wherein said second fork element (22) being connected to said second toothed rack (36), said second toothed rack being configured to be able to slide in said slit (32); wherein said shaft (4) being pivotally connected to said fork base (12) and being rigidly connected to said sprocket (38); said sprocket being arranged in said slit (32); wherein said sprocket (38) is configured for engaging with said first toothed rack (34) and said second toothed rack (36); thereby allowing translating a rotation of said shaft (4), in a first or a second rotational direction, into an increase or a decrease of the mutual distance between said first fork element (14) and said second fork element (22).