Flatness Inspection Spider Segmentation for Manual Pipe Flange Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight, easy-to-install flatness inspection tool for pipes and flanges that can operate without the need for cranes or specialized tools, capable of quick connection and disconnection, and suitable for a wide range of sizes.
Innovation Solution
The flatness inspection spider features a lightweight design with adjustable feet, quick connect and quick release mechanisms, and a rotating inspection head that can be operated by hand, eliminating the need for cranes and specialized tools, and includes a digital indicator for precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional flatness inspection tool is used, then measurement precision is achieved, but the tool requires cranes and specialized tools for installation and is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool is divided into separate modular components: a head assembly containing the inspection mechanism, and adjustable legs with feet. This segmentation allows the tool to be assembled and disassembled without requiring crane services, enabling manual handling while maintaining measurement precision through the dedicated head assembly designed for accurate flatness inspection.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional flatness inspection tool is used, then measurement precision is achieved, but installation and removal require expensive crane services and specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into a head assembly and adjustable legs that can be independently handled and assembled manually, eliminating the need for expensive crane services during installation and removal while preserving the measurement precision function in the head assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable legs incorporate self-aligning features and manual adjustment mechanisms that allow the tool to be set up and configured by hand without requiring specialized installation tools or services, making the installation process as easy as assembling the modular components.
3Measurement precision
If a traditional flatness inspection tool is used, then measurement precision is achieved, but the tool is heavy and requires overhead cranes for installation
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tool into a manageable head assembly and separate adjustable legs, the overall tool becomes lightweight enough for manual handling and operation, eliminating the need for overhead cranes while maintaining the precision measurement capability concentrated in the head assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable legs provide dynamic adaptability to different inspection scenarios through manual adjustment of leg length and positioning, making the tool easy to operate across various applications without requiring heavy lifting equipment, while the head assembly maintains consistent precision measurement performance.
4Ease of operation
If a lightweight design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool uses simple segmented connections between the head assembly and adjustable legs that prioritize ease of manual assembly over structural complexity, allowing quick connect and disconnect operations while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect mechanisms are simplified by extracting unnecessary complexity and focusing on basic connection elements that enable easy assembly and disassembly of the modular components, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A flatness inspection spider with a head assembly with a fixed base and a bearing assembly secured to the fixed base. A rotating inspection head is disposed over the bearing assembly. A load displacement shaft extends through an alignment head, fixed base, bearing assembly, and the rotating inspection head. At least one adjustable foot can extend from the fixed base to contact an inspection surface, wherein the at least one adjustable foot has a foot longitudinal axis, and wherein the at least one adjustable foot can extend or retract in length by rotating without the need for any additional tools. An inspection tubular is mounted through the rotating inspection head having a tubular longitudinal axis and an indicator mounted to the inspection tubular.