Adjustable Pipe Roll Mechanism with Collapsible Legs and Lock Ring Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe roll mechanisms are difficult to store and transport due to their fixed geometry, require time-consuming and costly roller replacements for different objects, and pose safety risks with stuck or bent locking rings during use, especially in dusty environments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pipe roll and support mechanism with collapsible legs, quick-release roll assemblies, and lock ring stops that prevent lock rings from becoming stuck or bent, allowing for easy height adjustment and safe operation by preventing lock rings from moving beyond a horizontal position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipe rolls have fixed geometry, then they provide stable support structure, but they are difficult and inconvenient to store and require considerable space
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe roll support structure is divided into collapsible segments that can be folded together for compact storage yet extended to provide stable support during use. The support legs and frame components are designed with hinge connections allowing them to be segmented for storage and reconfigured for operation.
2Reliability
If roller material is fixed in pipe roll assemblies, then they provide consistent support, but they require time-consuming and costly replacements for different objects
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe roll assembly is designed with universal quick-release mechanisms that allow the same basic structure to accommodate different roller materials and configurations. The roll assemblies can be quickly swapped between different objects requiring different roller materials (rubber, polymer, steel) without time-consuming disassembly, making the system multi-functional for various support needs.
3Ease of operation
If lock rings are made movable for height adjustment, then they enable flexible positioning, but they can become stuck or bent causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
A safety intermediary mechanism is introduced between the lock ring and the elevation post - specifically a groove in the elevation post that guides the lock ring's movement path. This groove acts as a mediator that prevents the lock ring from becoming stuck or bent by constraining it to move only along the predetermined grooved path, thereby maintaining both flexibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure in the elevation post provides beforehand cushioning by pre-defining the movement path of the lock ring. This prevents the lock ring from deviating into positions where it could become stuck or bent, cushioning against potential safety failures before they can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable roll and support mechanism for elongate objects having a round cross-sectional configuration has a support base having a pair of parallel upright tubular members having rigid or collapsible support legs. Elevation posts are positioned in movable telescoping relation within respective tubular members and support a roll positioning head having an internal roll positioning mechanism. A pair of roll assemblies are movably supported on the roll positioning head. Lock rings are positionable at a locking position to restrain downward movement of the elevation posts relative to the tubular members and are positionable at a release position permitting downward movement of the elevation posts. Lock ring stops are mounted to a transverse structural member and are positioned to prevent the lock rings from becoming bound after being struck by a lock release mechanism.