Catching Lance Deflection Compensation in Tube Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe processing systems face challenges in avoiding scratches on the inside of pipes during processing and when inserting or removing the catching lance, due to deflection of the lance caused by its own weight, leading to collisions or grinding against the pipe interior.
Innovation Solution
The unloading device features a catching lance that can be adjusted in height and angled upwards to compensate for deflection, with independently movable lance holders and a support element that can move vertically to reduce stress and prevent contact with the pipe interior, along with a storage surface that can adjust in height and position to support cut pipe parts and prevent them from falling onto the lance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a catching lance is inserted into the pipe to collect cut parts, then the pipe parts can be automatically removed, but the lance may deflect due to its own weight and cause scratches on the pipe interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight by positioning the catching lance at an upward angle and using support elements to compensate for the lance's self-weight deflection. The support elements provide upward force to counteract gravity's effect on the lance, preventing it from sagging and scratching the pipe interior while maintaining its collecting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces support elements as intermediary components between the catching lance and the pipe. These support elements act as mediators that bear the lance's weight and prevent direct contact between the lance and the pipe interior, thus eliminating scratches while maintaining automatic pipe part removal capability.
2Productivity
If the catching lance is made longer to reach deeper into the pipe, then it can collect pipe parts more effectively, but deflection increases causing collisions with the pipe interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses support elements positioned along the lance to provide counterbalancing forces against gravity. This allows the lance to be longer for better pipe part collection while the support elements prevent excessive deflection and maintain positioning accuracy by compensating for the increased weight and length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the lance and support elements movable along the pipe's longitudinal axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the lance's position and angle. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize the lance's reach for effective pipe part collection while maintaining positioning accuracy through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid positioning.
3Productivity
If the lance is moved in the longitudinal direction to reach cut parts, then pipe parts can be collected, but the lance may collide with the pipe end or interior during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support elements as intermediary components that bear the lance's weight during longitudinal movement. These support elements prevent the lance from sagging and colliding with the pipe interior during insertion and removal, ensuring reliable scratch-free processing while maintaining pipe part collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic positioning where the lance and support elements can move along the pipe's longitudinal axis. This dynamic system allows the lance to reach cut parts effectively while maintaining controlled movement that prevents collisions with the pipe end or interior, enhancing both productivity and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The unloading device has a catching lance (27) that is insertable into the interior of a tube which is to be processed, and is movable in a longitudinal direction (X). The tube is supported on a storage area of a support table. The catching lance is mounted on two retaining lance holders (32,33) which are independently movable in a vertical direction (Z). An independent claim is included for method cutting or machining of tubes.