Hydraulic Pipe Coupling Jig for Re-Rounding Sagged Plastic Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jig assemblies for thermal plastic piping are too large to fit within holes for underground repairs, and the material's inability to support large piping weight causes sagging and oblong shaping, making welding difficult due to the need to correct the pipe shape before joining.
Innovation Solution
A jig assembly with hydraulically openable and closable jaw assemblies connected by linear actuators that can move to grasp, re-round, and position pipes for welding, allowing for precise alignment and coupling within the constraints of underground repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional jig assemblies are used for coupling thermal plastic piping, then the piping can be held in position for welding, but the equipment becomes too large to fit within holes for underground repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The jig assembly is divided into multiple separate components including a first jaw assembly, a second jaw assembly, and a linear actuator that can be transported and assembled separately. This segmentation allows the equipment to fit through smaller holes while maintaining the capability to hold pipes securely for welding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assemblies are designed to collapse or nest together when not in use, reducing the overall volume of the equipment. The linear actuator can be stored within or alongside the jaw assemblies, allowing the entire system to be compacted to a size that fits within underground repair holes
2Quantity of substance
If large diameter pipes are used for thermal plastic piping, then the capacity increases, but the pipes begin to sag and change shape from round to oblong
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assemblies are designed to re-round the pipe cross-section to a circular shape before the coupling and welding operations take place. This preliminary shaping action corrects the oblong deformation that occurs in large diameter pipes, ensuring proper alignment and fit for the coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assemblies apply controlled mechanical force to change the physical parameters of the pipe cross-section, transforming it from an oblong shape back to a round shape. This parameter change enables the pipe to properly receive and align with the coupling for welding
3Ease of manufacture
If coupling is forced onto piping using hammer and wood method, then the coupling can be installed, but injury and damage to the coupling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The manual hammer and wood method is replaced with a controlled linear actuator system that provides precise, automated movement of the coupling onto the pipe. This substitution eliminates the impact forces and human error associated with manual methods, reducing the risk of injury and damage while maintaining installation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator system is designed to automatically guide and position the coupling onto the pipe without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the installation process, ensuring proper alignment and force application while eliminating the need for workers to manually force the coupling, thereby reducing injury risk
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 efficient positioning and welding of thermal plastic piping within confined spaces by re-shaping pipes to a round form, facilitating easier coupling and reducing the risk of injury or damage during the welding process.
Implementation Method 1
the jaw assemblies are joined by jaw actuators to move the jaw assemblies closer or farther from one another allowing movement of the pipes, coupling or both
Implementation Method 2
a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which are both hydraulically openable and closable to grasp, release and re-round the piping
Data Source
AI summary
A jig assembly and method of use are provided for positioning and re-rounding pipes for welding. The jig assembly comprises a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which position and move a coupling onto one pipe then the second pipe for subsequent welding.