Excavator Pipe Handling Attachment With Adjustable Boom Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in pipe handling and installation, particularly in densely populated areas, involves the need for multiple heavy machinery units, leading to safety concerns and increased costs due to congestion and the requirement for hydraulic or vacuum power for lifting heavy pipes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling attachment for working machines, featuring a boom with adjustable support arrangements and a manual adjusting mechanism, allowing for variable distance settings between support points, which can be coupled to existing machinery without hydraulic or vacuum power, enabling safer and more efficient handling of pipes of varying lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple heavy machinery units are used to lift and handle pipes, then the lifting capacity is sufficient, but the worksite becomes congested and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pipe lifting and handling functions with the existing excavator that is already present at the worksite for excavation work. By integrating a pipe handling attachment onto the excavator, the same machine performs multiple functions (excavation and pipe handling), eliminating the need for separate dedicated pipe lifting machinery and thereby reducing worksite congestion and associated safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
The excavator is designed with multi-functionality by equipping it with a pipe handling attachment that enables it to perform both excavation and pipe lifting operations. This universal machine replaces the need for multiple specialized machines, allowing one piece of equipment to handle diverse construction tasks including digging trenches and lifting heavy pipes
2Force
If hydraulic or vacuum mechanisms are used to support pipes, then the lifting capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe handling attachment utilizes the excavator's own hydraulic system to power the pipe lifting and handling operations. The attachment connects to the excavator's existing hydraulic outlets and uses its hydraulic fluid pressure to operate the lifting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic power sources or vacuum mechanisms that would add complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic power system for pipe handling is merged with the excavator's existing hydraulic system. Rather than introducing a separate hydraulic or vacuum power source, the attachment integrates with and draws power from the excavator's already-present hydraulic infrastructure, simplifying the overall system
3Device complexity
If a fixed distance between support arrangements is used, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different pipe lengths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe handling attachment incorporates adjustable support arrangements where the distance between supports can be dynamically changed based on the pipe length being handled. The boom structure allows the support points to be repositioned along its length, enabling the same attachment to accommodate various pipe dimensions without requiring multiple fixed-configuration attachments
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe handling attachment for a working machine is configured to support a pipe and includes a mounting component configured to couple the pipe handling attachment to the working machine. A boom includes a first support arrangement for supporting a first portion of the pipe, and a second support arrangement, spaced apart from the first support arrangement, for supporting a second portion of the pipe. A distance between the first support arrangement and the second support arrangement is variable, and including adjusting mechanism configured to adjust the distance between the first support arrangement and the second support arrangement. The adjusting mechanism is configured to be operated manually.