Adaptable Insertion Device for Variable-Diameter Packing Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid/gas separation column insertion devices face challenges in gripping packing sections of varying diameters, as they do not all have the same diameter, making universal gripping difficult and requiring costly adaptations for each size.

Innovation Solution

A gripping device with a deployment module featuring a main upright and peripheral uprights, articulated hooking means, and a motorized system that adjusts the radial distance between these components to accommodate different diameters, allowing for adaptable gripping and insertion of packing sections into cylindrical shells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-diameter insertion device is used, then the gripping mechanism is simple and robust, but it cannot accommodate packing sections of varying diameters (1m to 5m)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediameter adaptabilityVSAvoidgripping device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device employs a deployable modular structure with multiple uprights (main upright and peripheral uprights) that can be dynamically reconfigured. The radial distance between uprights is adjustable through deployment mechanisms, allowing the device to adapt its diameter to match packing sections ranging from 1m to 5m. This dynamic reconfiguration enables a single device to handle multiple diameter specifications without requiring separate fixed-diameter devices for each size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device is divided into modular components including a main upright, multiple peripheral uprights, and detachable attachment means. Each peripheral upright can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the device to segment and reconfigure its structure according to the specific diameter requirements. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If custom insertion devices are designed for each diameter, then optimal gripping performance is achieved, but manufacturing and operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoiddevice manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is designed as a universal platform capable of gripping and inserting packing sections across the full diameter range of 1m to 5m. The deployable modular structure with adjustable radial positioning allows a single device design to perform multiple diameter-specific functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture separate specialized devices for each diameter, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable gripping performance through standardized attachment means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the radial distance between uprights is fixed, then the structural stability is high, but the device cannot adjust to different packing section diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediameter adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The radial distance between the main upright and peripheral uprights is made dynamically adjustable through deployment mechanisms. These mechanisms allow the structure to transition between different radial configurations while maintaining stability during each configured state. The attachment means are designed to provide firm gripping force once the desired radial distance is achieved, ensuring structural stability during the gripping and insertion operations for each specific diameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4223407B1Device for inserting a trim section
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP4223407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4223407B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4223407B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an insertion device comprising a gripping device (100) for a section of upholstery, comprising a support (60) forming a frame and gripping means (6) connected to this support and distributed angularly to surround the section of upholstery to be gripped, characterized in that at least one of the gripping means (6) comprises movable pads (64) respectively intended to be in contact with a peripheral edge of the section of upholstery (2) and a plurality of bearings (63) arranged in at least two stages (62), each bearing (63) carrying articulation means (68) capable of cooperating with a bearing (63) of a different stage (62) or one of the movable pads (64).