Coaxial Pipe Alignment Tool for Fast Reference-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large open spaces like factories, there are often no consistent reference points to ensure accurate alignment of pipes during installation, leading to inefficiencies and potential inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A pipe alignment tool with a main body that fits over the end of the pipe, featuring a sighting means that discharges a coaxial sighting beam and a plurality of continuous concentric recesses to securely attach the tool to the pipe, allowing for precise alignment without the need for consistent reference points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If plumb lines are used for alignment, then vertical alignment can be achieved, but the process requires two people, access to ceiling or roof, and takes a great deal of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plumb line system with an optical/laser-based alignment tool. The laser alignment tool projects a visible laser beam along the pipe's central axis, eliminating the need for physical plumb lines and manual measurement processes. This substitution dramatically reduces alignment time while maintaining precision, as the laser beam provides immediate visual feedback for accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool is designed to be self-aligning through the concentric recesses that automatically center the tool on the pipe. Once the tool is placed on the pipe, the recesses ensure proper positioning without requiring manual adjustment or multiple operators, making the alignment process faster and easier to perform independently.
2Measurement precision
If plumb lines are used for alignment, then vertical alignment can be achieved, but access to ceiling or roof is required which is not always possible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of hanging the alignment device from the ceiling or roof (top-down approach), the patent inverts the approach by placing the alignment tool on the pipe end at the accessible location and projecting the laser beam along the pipe's axis. This allows alignment to be performed from the bottom or side where access is easier, eliminating the need to reach the ceiling or roof.
3Device complexity
If a single recess size is used in the tool, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool can only fit one pipe diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tool's recess structure into multiple segments with different diameters, each capable of accommodating a specific pipe size. This segmentation allows the tool to adapt to various pipe diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The multiple recesses are arranged concentrically, enabling the tool to interface with different pipe sizes without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool is designed with multi-functional capability to work with pipes of different diameters through the inclusion of multiple concentric recesses. This universal design allows a single tool to serve multiple purposes across different pipe sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while keeping the structure relatively simple through the concentric arrangement.
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
The tool enables quick and accurate alignment of pipes by projecting a sighting beam along the pipe's central axis, ensuring precise placement of holes or connections, even in spaces without consistent reference points, and can be used with various pipe diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a sighting means mounted at the opposite end, wherein the sighting means is configured to discharge a sighting beam coaxially with the central axis of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an alignment tool 1 for a pipe having a bore with a central axis. The tool 1 comprises a main body 22, 32 having one end 26 conforming with an open end of the pipe in use, and an opposite end 34 having mounted thereto a sighting means, wherein the sighting means is configured to discharge a sighting beam in use coaxially with the central axis of the pipe.