Expandable Drum Assembly for Coiled Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for loading and unloading coils of flexible pipe are inefficient, requiring extra equipment and manual labor, and are not well-suited for handling large and heavy coils.
Innovation Solution
A drum assembly with expandable spokes and mechanical actuators that can be inserted into and secured within the coil of flexible pipe, allowing for easier handling and transportation without the need for additional equipment or labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional equipment and manual labor are used to load and unload coils of pipe, then the coils can be handled, but the process requires extra equipment and manual labor, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly is designed to be inserted into the interior region of the coil of flexible pipe, with drum segments mounted to expandable spokes that nest within the coil structure. This nested configuration eliminates the need for external handling equipment, allowing the drum assembly to become part of the coil itself during transportation and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum assembly features expandable spokes with drum segments that can transition between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic structure allows the drum to adapt its size and shape to fit within the coil during loading, then expand to provide structural support during deployment, eliminating the need for separate equipment for different operational phases.
2Quantity of substance
If coils of pipe are made large and heavy to accommodate practical pipe lengths, then more pipe can be transported, but handling becomes more difficult requiring additional equipment and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly nests within the interior region of the coil, providing internal support structure that enables handling of large and heavy coils without requiring external equipment. The drum segments extend radially outward to contact the coil walls, distributing handling forces throughout the coil structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum assembly acts as an intermediary structure inserted within the coil, providing a mechanical interface that enables controlled deployment and handling. The expandable spokes and drum segments create a mediator between the coil's weight and the deployment mechanism, facilitating ease of operation despite the coil's large size and weight.
3Reliability
If the drum assembly is designed to expand within the coil, then it can provide secure support during deployment, but the structure becomes more complex with multiple movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly is divided into multiple drum segments mounted to individual expandable spokes, allowing each segment to independently contact and support the coil. This segmented structure provides reliable support distributed across multiple contact points while maintaining a modular design that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable spokes with movable drum segments create a dynamic structure that automatically adapts to the coil's geometry during deployment. The spokes extend radially outward to contact the coil walls, providing secure support without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, as the expansion motion itself creates the necessary support geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A drum assembly includes a support bar, expandable spokes extending away from the support bar, drum segments mounted to the expandable spokes, support brackets disposed on the support bar, a primary mechanical actuator extending between the support brackets, and secondary mechanical actuators extending from the support brackets.