Flange Alignment Tool for Combined Misalignment and Blind Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flange alignment tools are inadequate for managing misaligned flanges, particularly when combined misalignments occur, and they do not facilitate the safe installation or removal of heavy spectacle blinds, which can lead to stress buildup and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A tool system comprising ring support structures, mechanical arms with extendible joints, a guide shaft, and a tool arm that allows for adjustable alignment and safe handling of flanges and spectacle blinds, enabling the management of flange misalignments and facilitating the installation or removal of safety devices like spectacle blinds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flange alignment tools are used, then single-type misalignment can be corrected, but combined misalignments cannot be managed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alignment functions into a single integrated tool system that can simultaneously address angular, parallel, and rotational misalignments. The tool integrates ring support structures, mechanical arms with extendible joints, and guide shafts into one unified apparatus that performs multiple alignment operations that previously required separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool system is designed with universal applicability to handle all four types of flange misalignments (angular, parallel, rotational, and axial separation) through its configurable mechanical arms and extendible joints, making it a multi-functional device that replaces multiple specialized alignment tools.
2Reliability
If spectacle blind is installed between misaligned flanges, then flow isolation can be achieved, but stress buildup and fluid leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool system performs preliminary alignment of misaligned flanges before installing the spectacle blind. The mechanical arms with extendible joints adjust the flange positions and orientations to achieve proper alignment, eliminating the misalignment that would otherwise cause stress buildup and fluid leakage when the blind is installed.
3Ease of operation
If forklift is used to handle heavy spectacle blind, then installation at high locations becomes possible, but operational complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool system acts as an intermediary device between the workers and the heavy spectacle blind. The mechanical arms with extendible joints provide a controlled mechanism for positioning and installing the blind, replacing the need for forklift equipment and reducing operational complexity and safety risks.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool to manage flanges during installation and dismantling of flanges includes a first ring support structure and a second ring support structure spaced apart along a tool axis. First and second mechanical arms are retained on the first and second ring support structures. Each of the mechanical arms has an extendible arm joint that is operable to adjust an axial distance between the first and second ring support structures. A guide shaft is coupled to the first and second ring support structures. The guide shaft is positioned to guide a relative movement between the first and second ring support structures during operation of the extendible arm joints of the first and second mechanical arms.