Flexible Band Pipe Guide for Oval Diameter Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe scraping devices are limited in their ability to handle varying pipe diameters and are often specialized for specific tasks, such as peeling or drilling, without flexibility for different applications or oval pipe shapes, leading to inconsistent scraping and the need for multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring torsionally stiff, flexible bands with a flat rectangular cross-section, connected to a carrier and spacer elements, which can be adjusted to fit pipes of 300-2000mm diameter, ensuring even scraping and allowing for multiple processing devices to be mounted for various tasks, including peeling and drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a peeling device is designed for a specific pipe diameter, then it achieves precise peeling for that diameter, but it cannot be used for pipes with different diameters without replacing the support
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed with adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to different pipe diameters. The support structure includes movable components that can be repositioned along the bands to accommodate varying diameters while maintaining stable guidance for the peeling tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is designed as a universal structure that can handle multiple pipe diameters within the range of 300-2000 mm. By incorporating adjustable bands and repositionable guidance elements, a single support structure serves multiple functions across different pipe sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized supports.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a peeling device uses a rigid guide structure, then it provides stable guidance, but it cannot accommodate oval pipe shapes or diameter variations
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure incorporates flexible bands with flat rectangular cross-sections that can elastically deform to accommodate oval pipe shapes and diameter variations. These bands maintain sufficient rigidity to provide stable guidance for the peeling tool while being flexible enough to conform to different pipe geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure utilizes elements with variable stiffness characteristics. The bands are designed with specific material properties and cross-sectional geometries that allow them to change their effective rigidity based on the pipe shape and diameter, providing stable guidance for circular pipes while adapting to oval shapes when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guide structure is made flexible to accommodate shape variations, then it adapts to oval pipes, but it may compromise the stability and precision of the peeling process
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure uses flexible bands with flat rectangular cross-sections made from materials that provide a balance between flexibility and rigidity. These bands can elastically deform to accommodate oval pipe shapes while maintaining sufficient structural stability to guide the peeling tool with precision and achieve uniform peeling results.
Solution Approach 2:
The bands are constructed from composite materials or material combinations that provide both flexibility for shape adaptation and rigidity for stable guidance. The material selection and structural design ensure that the guide structure maintains peeling precision even when accommodating non-circular pipe shapes.
4Reliability
If specialized devices are used for different processing tasks (peeling, drilling), then each task is performed optimally, but multiple devices are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various pipe processing tools including peeling tools, drilling devices, and other processing equipment. The standardized mounting interfaces and adjustable positioning system allow a single support structure to perform multiple processing tasks optimally, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
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 device provides consistent peeling depth and prevents unpeeled areas on pipes of varying diameters and shapes, enabling the same device to perform multiple processing tasks without modification, ensuring efficient and precise surface preparation for welding and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
The bands exhibit high flexibility along their length. They can be easily deformed or bent elastically.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The apparatus (1) has two bands (2) extended parallel to each other. The bands are connected to a carrier (3) at bands ends. The carrier is extended at right angles with respect to the bands such that the apparatus is arranged on an outer circumference of a tube for guiding a tube processing device along the outer circumference. The ends of the bands lie side by side. The bands are fastened on the carrier by a carrier accommodating unit (4). The bands have cylinder spacers that are arranged on an underside of the bands. A planing device has two slides, which are guided along the bands.