Hinged Pipe Alignment Clamp for Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe alignment clamps are limited by requiring sufficient pipe length, uniform shape and size, and are cumbersome for use in confined spaces, making them ineffective for aligning irregularly shaped or sized pipes and inefficient in manufacturing processes like threading, brazing, or welding.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight pipe alignment clamp with a doubly hinged, semi-circular frame and adjustable alignment screws that can be used with various shapes and sizes of pipes, requiring less pipe length and allowing operation in confined spaces, featuring independent alignment screws for secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing pipe alignment clamps are used, then pipe alignment can be achieved, but the clamp requires sufficient pipe length and cannot be used with irregularly shaped pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two independent C-shaped frame members that can be opened and closed independently. Each frame member has its own contact rollers and alignment screws, allowing the clamp to adapt to pipes of various lengths by adjusting the opening angle between the two frames rather than requiring the entire clamp to span the full pipe length.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a rigid, fixed-geometry structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The two C-shaped frame members can pivot relative to each other at the hinge connection, and the alignment screws can be adjusted independently to accommodate irregular pipe shapes and varying pipe lengths, making the clamp adaptable rather than requiring minimum pipe length specifications.
2Ease of operation
If existing pipe alignment clamps with elongated handles are used, then alignment function is provided, but the device is cumbersome for use in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated T-bar handle and crossbar mechanism are completely removed from the design. Instead, the clamp uses a compact hinge connection between two C-shaped frame members that can be operated directly at the pipe location, eliminating the need for long handles and making the device suitable for confined spaces while maintaining the alignment function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a long handle to apply force from a distance, the operation is inverted by placing the adjustment mechanism (alignment screws) directly at the contact points with the pipe. This allows the operator to work closely with the pipe in confined spaces rather than manipulating a long handle from afar.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing pipe alignment clamps are used, then alignment of uniform pipes is achieved, but the clamp cannot accommodate pipes with different shapes or sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Each C-shaped frame member is equipped with its own alignment screws and contact rollers that can be independently adjusted. This local adjustment capability allows each side of the clamp to adapt to the specific geometry of the pipe it contacts, enabling the clamp to handle pipes of different shapes and sizes without requiring complex overall restructuring of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design with two independently adjustable C-shaped frame members creates a universal tool that can accommodate various pipe configurations (different diameters, shapes, and orientations) using the same basic structure. The independence of the two frames and their respective adjustment mechanisms provides multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enables precise alignment and secure joining of pipes with different shapes and sizes, reducing material requirements and improving usability in tight spaces, ensuring effective pipe fitting and fabrication processes.
Implementation Method 1
thread each of the plurality of alignment screws until pushed against respective opposition from the other pipe segment or fitting
Implementation Method 2
a first frame member hingedly attached to a second frame member
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of alignment screws are operational and adjustable independent of each of the remaining plurality of alignment screws
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe alignment clamp for use in pipe fitting/fabrication applications. The pipe alignment clamp has a generally circular frame with at least one hinge therealong to enable the clamp to be opened and subsequently secured around a pair of pipe segments and/or fittings to be joined. Threaded support members are positioned along the frame in spaced apart fashion, and extend outwardly from each side of the frame. The support members are used to support alignment screws that can be independently repositioned radially towards and away from the pipe segments and/or fittings to be joined, thereby enabling the alignment clamp to accommodate a wide variety of different shapes and sizes of pipe segments and fittings, and requiring a minimum length of pipe segment to operate. The adjustment screws may be manipulated by hand, or by a separate alignment screw tool, which may be included as part of a pipe alignment kit.