Mid-Pipe Pulling Assembly for Distributed Pipe Deployment Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of pipe segments in pipeline systems is inefficient when relying solely on pulling force at the free end, as it leads to reduced deployment speed and increased tensile force absorption, potentially deforming the pipe segment and compromising its structural integrity due to increased distance and bends.
Innovation Solution
A pipe deployment system with a pulling device that secures to the pipe segment mid-pipe, featuring a device body with pivotable arms and pipe grabbers that engage the pipe segment, allowing for distributed force application and reducing the likelihood of over-compression, along with optional spacer bars and slide assemblies to accommodate various pipe diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pulling force is applied only at the free end of the pipe segment, then the deployment process is simpler, but the tensile force absorption increases and deployment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling force application is segmented into multiple points: the free end of the pipe segment and the mid-pipe location. The device body with first and second body arms creates separate engagement points, distributing the pulling action along the pipe length rather than concentrating it at one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The device body acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pulling cable and the pipe segment. It includes cable branches that connect to body arms, which then engage the pipe through pipe grabbers, creating a mechanical advantage system that reduces tensile force absorption.
2Device complexity
If pulling force is applied only at the free end of the pipe segment, then the equipment setup is simpler, but the pulling force at the pipe drum decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates pivotable body arms that can dynamically adjust their position and angle. The first and second body arms pivot relative to the device body, allowing the mechanism to adapt to different pipe positions and maintain optimal force transmission to the pipe drum.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the mechanical parameters of force application by introducing multiple engagement points and a lever arm system. The pipe grabbers positioned at different locations on the body arms create a force distribution system that maintains higher pulling force at the pipe drum.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe segment is pulled over long distances with multiple bends, then the deployment flexibility increases, but the tensile force absorption increases and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe segment engagement is segmented into multiple points along its length. The first and second pipe grabbers engage at different locations, creating shorter effective pull distances between engagement points, which reduces cumulative tensile force absorption and deformation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies pulling force at multiple points simultaneously rather than relying on a single end-point pull. This partial action at intermediate locations reduces the excessive tensile force that would otherwise be absorbed by the pipe segment over long distances.
4Device complexity
If a single-point pulling system is used, then the device structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate various pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The device body with its pivotable body arms and pipe grabbers is designed to accommodate pipes of various diameters. The mechanical structure can adjust to different pipe sizes while maintaining the multi-point engagement capability, making the device universally applicable to different pipe specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable body arms provide dynamic adjustment capability that allows the device to adapt to different pipe diameters. The arms can pivot to different angles and positions, enabling the pipe grabbers to engage pipes of varying sizes while maintaining effective pulling force application.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipe deployment system that includes pipe deployment equipment, in which a pipe drum having spooled thereon a pipe segment is to be loaded on the pipe deployment equipment, and a pulling device to be secured to an unspooled section of the pipe segment. The pulling device includes a device body having a first body arm and a second body arm, in which the device body is to be disposed around the unspooled section of the pipe segment, the first body arm is to be secured to a first cable branch, and the second body arm is to be secured to a second cable branch. The pulling device includes a first pipe grabber secured to the first body arm and a second pipe grabber secured to the second body arm such that the second pipe grabber and the first pipe grabber open towards one another.