Hinged Pipe Guide Adapter for Multi-Diameter Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe guides are limited in their ability to support pipes of varying diameters, as a specific saddle-shaped pattern for horizontal gate members is not suitable for vertical gate members with different diameters, requiring separate guides for different diameter pipes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe guide adapter with two body sections joined by a hinge, featuring gripping ends and marking sections with adapter marking slots, allowing it to attach to and mark pipes of different diameters, and including a hinge pin for alignment and attachment to existing pipe guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pipe guide has a specific saddle-shaped pattern configured for a specific diameter, then it can properly support horizontal gate members of that diameter, but it cannot support vertical gate members with different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe guide adapter is designed to be attached to existing pipe guides, transforming a single-function pipe guide into a multi-functional system. The adapter includes multiple body sections with different marking slot configurations that can be selectively positioned, allowing one pipe guide to support multiple pipe diameters and gate member configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe guide adapter nests onto the existing pipe guide body, with the adapter's body sections wrapping around and securing to the pipe guide. This nested configuration allows the adapter to utilize the existing pipe guide structure while adding new functionality for different diameter accommodations.
2Reliability
If separate pipe guides are used for different diameter pipes, then each pipe guide can be optimized for its specific diameter, but the overall system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring multiple dedicated pipe guides, the invention creates a universal pipe guide system where one pipe guide combined with an adapter can serve multiple diameter requirements. The adapter provides different marking slot configurations that maintain marking precision for various pipe diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe guide adapter is divided into multiple body sections that can be independently positioned and secured. Each body section can provide different marking slot configurations, allowing selective activation of specific sections based on the pipe diameter being worked on, thereby maintaining precision without requiring complete separate guides.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pipe guide adapter is designed to attach to existing pipe guides, then versatility is improved, but the attachment mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe guide adapter serves as an intermediary component between the existing pipe guide and the marking tool. It attaches to the pipe guide body and provides the interface for different marking slot configurations, mediating between the fixed pipe guide structure and the variable marking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe guide adapter incorporates movable and adjustable elements, including body sections that can be positioned in different configurations and secured with fasteners. This dynamic capability allows the adapter to adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining a relatively simple attachment mechanism to the pipe guide body.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe guide adapter adds marking slots and marking edges to a pipe guide. The pipe guide adapter includes two body sections joined by a hinge enabling the pipe guide adapter to be in open and closed positions. The body sections each include a gripping end and a marking section. The gripping end has a diameter greater than the diameter of the pipe guide to circumferentially grip a portion of the pipe guide in the closed position and to attach to the pipe guide. A pipe is circumferentially gripped jointly by the pipe guide and the pipe guide adapter. A hinge pin is partially disposed in the hinge and extends beyond the hinge. The hinge pin allows tie pipe guide adapter to be aligned to the pipe guide. The extended portion of the hinge pin acts as a stop and a spacer between the pipe guide adapter and the pipe guide.