Modular Pipe Aligning Tool With Rotating Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe alignment tools often cause damage to pipes due to frictional engagement and lack the flexibility to customize the number and location of pipe engaging members, making accurate alignment difficult and requiring support loss during repositioning or addition of members.
Innovation Solution
A pipe alignment tool with a clamp member and modular sections that allow for adjustable placement of pipe engaging members, enabling them to be selectively supported and repositioned without losing support, using threaded fasteners and designated mounting locations for secure and adjustable engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipe engaging members frictionally engage the second pipe, then the pipe sections can be held together, but damage may occur to the second pipe and accurate alignment is resisted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clamp member as an intermediary device that mechanically engages the first pipe section without relying on friction against the second pipe. The pipe engaging members extend from the clamp to engage the second pipe in a controlled manner, reducing direct frictional contact and potential damage while maintaining holding capability through the clamp's mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the friction-based mechanical engagement system with a clamp-based mechanical engagement system. Instead of relying on friction between pipe engaging members and the second pipe, the system uses the clamp member's mechanical grip on the first pipe section to provide stable support and alignment, reducing harmful frictional forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipe engaging members are fixed on the clamp member, then support is stable, but repositioning or adding members requires releasing the chain and loses support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where pipe engaging members can be selectively positioned and adjusted on the clamp member. The mounting mechanism allows members to be fixed in place for stability during operation, yet can be easily repositioned or removed by releasing the mounting mechanism without requiring complete disassembly of the clamp, thus maintaining support while enabling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member is designed with multiple independent mounting locations that can accommodate pipe engaging members at different positions. This segmentation allows individual members to be adjusted or removed without affecting the overall clamp structure or requiring release of the entire chain, enabling flexible reconfiguration while maintaining stable support.
3Device complexity
If the clamp member has fixed mounting locations, then the structure is simple, but the ability to customize number and location of pipe engaging members is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is designed with multiple universal mounting locations that can accommodate pipe engaging members at various positions around the circumference. Each mounting location provides the same functional interface, allowing the system to be configured for different pipe sizes and engagement requirements without complicating the basic clamp structure, thus achieving both simplicity and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section. The clamp member may be formed of modular sections connected circumferentially in series in which each modular section defines a mounting location upon which a pipe engaging member can be removably attached.