Casing Machine Control Unit for Autonomous Pipe Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current casing machines/pipe lathes lack integrated control logic for independent operation, leading to reduced operating comfort and increased safety risks due to the need for manual operator input and lack of monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an integral control device with control logic and sensors for fully automatic execution of control functions, along with a communication interface for data exchange with the carrier machine, enabling independent operation and enhanced monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct electrical control with manual operator input is used, then the device structure remains simple, but operating comfort deteriorates and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating comfortVSAvoidcontrol structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically monitors sensor data, detects operational states, and triggers actuators without continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously managing the drilling process based on pre-programmed logic and real-time sensor feedback, freeing the operator from constant manual control while maintaining simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual operator control is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected operator errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors continuously monitor operational parameters and feed data back to the control unit, which compares actual values against expected ranges. When deviations indicate potential errors or unsafe conditions, the system automatically alerts the operator or corrects the situation, providing continuous feedback loops that enhance reliability without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If fully automatic control execution is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into modular functional units: sensor modules for data acquisition, a control unit with integrated processing logic, and actuator modules for execution. Each module performs a specific function independently, allowing the system to achieve high automation and productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation and standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3530812B1Attachment for drilling and/or foundation work
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 LIEBHERR WERK NENZING
  • EP3530812B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3530812B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The present invention relates to an attachment for drilling and/or foundation work, in particular a casing machine or pipe turning machine, with a receiving device for clamping at least one pipe and a drive for generating a rotational movement of the clamped pipe, wherein the attachment comprises at least one integral control unit for independently executing control functions of the attachment.