Flexible Pipe Handling Drum With Expandable Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for loading and unloading coils of flexible pipe are labor-intensive and require additional equipment, as they are often large and heavy, necessitating an improved handling system for efficient transportation and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pipe handling system comprising a drum assembly with movable drum segments, containment flanges, and coupling devices that allow the drum assembly to be inserted within the coil, enabling secure containment and handling of the pipe without the need for external reels or spools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional external reels or spools are used to handle coils of flexible pipe, then the pipe can be contained and transported, but additional equipment and human manual labor are required, increasing device complexity and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly is designed to be inserted within the interior region of the coil of flexible pipe, with drum segments that expand outward to contact the pipe from the inside. This nested configuration eliminates the need for external reels or spools, allowing the coil to be contained and handled by its own internal structure, thereby reducing device complexity and equipment requirements while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If the drum segments are extended to contact the coil, then secure containment of the pipe is achieved, but the drum assembly cannot be inserted within the coil
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly incorporates movable drum segments that can dynamically change their radial extent. The segments are movable between a retracted position (allowing insertion within the coil with compact size) and an extended position (providing secure containment by contacting the pipe). This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to fulfill both requirements: compact insertion and reliable containment
3Reliability
If containment flanges are permanently attached to the drum assembly, then secure containment is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability for different coil configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is segmented into modular components: the drum assembly with movable segments and detachably coupleable containment flanges. This segmentation allows the containment flanges to be attached or detached as needed, providing secure containment when required while maintaining adaptability for different coil configurations. The modular design enables the system to be customized for various coil sizes and types without permanent attachments
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a drum assembly that includes a support bar having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of drum segments coupled to the support bar. The drum segments are movable between retracted and extended positions, and the drum assembly is configured to be disposed within an interior region of a coil of flexible pipe when the plurality of drum segments are in the retracted position. The system also includes a first containment flange coupled to the drum assembly at the first end, a second containment flange coupled to the drum assembly at the second end, a first coupling device configured to removably couple the first containment flange to the drum assembly, and a second coupling device configured to removably couple the second containment flange to the drum assembly. The first and second containment flanges are configured to contain the flexible pipe.