Branching Assembly Tilting Lever Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing connection sockets on pipes from the top of an excavation pit are complex, cumbersome, and costly, requiring large excavation pits and heavy tools, which complicates the operation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an upper and lower saddle assembly with a tilting lever that automatically positions and secures the lower saddle onto the pipe, using retaining means like clipping mechanisms, allowing for easy installation without the need for additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heavy and cumbersome tool with an articulated shoe and jack is used to install the lower saddle automatically, then the installation quality is satisfactory, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functional modules: an upper saddle assembly containing the tilting lever, and a separate lower saddle. The tilting lever is articulated to the upper saddle and acts independently to position the lower saddle, separating the positioning function from the retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting lever automatically positions the lower saddle onto the pipe using the lever effect, without requiring external actuation or complex mechanisms. The gravity and lever action together enable self-positioning of the lower saddle under the pipe.
2Extent of automation
If a heavy and cumbersome tool is used for installation, then automatic positioning is achieved, but the weight and cost of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting lever automatically positions the lower saddle onto the pipe using the lever effect, without requiring external actuation or complex mechanisms. The gravity and lever action together enable self-positioning of the lower saddle under the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting lever acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the upper saddle assembly and the lower saddle. It transfers the positioning action from the upper assembly to the lower saddle, enabling automatic positioning without heavy actuation mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If a tool with an articulated shoe is used, then automatic installation is achieved, but the excavation pit dimensions must be larger to allow lateral release
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functional modules: an upper saddle assembly containing the tilting lever, and a separate lower saddle. The tilting lever is articulated to the upper saddle and acts independently to position the lower saddle, separating the positioning function from the retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the lower saddle be released laterally from a complex articulated mechanism, the design inverts the approach: the tilting lever is attached to the upper saddle and actively pushes the lower saddle into position from above, eliminating the need for lateral release space.
4Device complexity
If manual positioning of the lower saddle is required, then simpler equipment is used, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting lever automatically positions the lower saddle onto the pipe using the lever effect, without requiring external actuation or complex mechanisms. The gravity and lever action together enable self-positioning of the lower saddle under the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting lever is pre-configured in the upper saddle assembly and automatically performs the positioning action when the assembly is placed on the pipe, eliminating the need for manual intervention during the critical positioning phase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates the rapid and simple installation of connection sockets from the top of the excavation pit, reducing the necessary excavation pit dimensions and lowering costs, while ensuring secure and reproducible clamping conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the tilting of the lever and the lower saddle operating by lever effect due to the bringing together of the upper saddle and the upper surface of the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The unit has an upper saddle (12) and a lower saddle (22) with support faces (14, 24), whose face is complementary to a face of an exterior surface of a fluid e.g. gas, transporting channel (1). The lower saddle is integrated to a tilting lever (34) for being support on an upper part of a section of the channel for causing tilting of the lower saddle from opening position to a closing position. The lever and the lower saddle are tilted by leverage effect due to connection of the upper saddle and the upper surface of the channel.