Pipe Alignment Tool Rolling Bearing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe alignment tools cause damage and hinder accurate alignment due to frictional forces when engaging pipe sections, making it difficult to rotate or displace pipes relative to each other during connection.
Innovation Solution
A pipe alignment tool with a clamp member and pipe engaging members that utilize a freely rolling bearing member, such as a ball, to contact the second pipe section, eliminating friction and allowing for accurate alignment by rotation and longitudinal displacement without damaging the pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pipe engaging members frictionally engage the second pipe to hold it in position, then the pipe sections can be held together, but frictional forces resist rotation and longitudinal displacement making accurate alignment difficult and may damage the second pipe
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing member is introduced as an intermediary between the pipe engaging member and the second pipe. The bearing member's rolling contact surface replaces direct frictional engagement, allowing the pipe sections to be held stable while eliminating resistance to alignment movements. This mediator enables both stability and ease of operation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical engagement system with a rolling contact bearing system. By substituting sliding friction with rolling contact, the system maintains the pipe sections in position while dramatically reducing the force required for alignment operations, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipe engaging members frictionally engage the second pipe, then the pipe sections can be held together, but the friction may damage the second pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing member serves as a protective intermediary between the pipe engaging member and the second pipe. It absorbs the contact forces and transfers them through rolling contact instead of direct friction, preventing damage to the pipe surface while maintaining the stability of the pipe sections.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the frictional contact mechanism with a rolling contact bearing mechanism, the system eliminates the harmful frictional forces that cause pipe damage while preserving the stabilizing function. The bearing's rolling elements distribute loads and prevent surface damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pipe engaging members frictionally engage the second pipe, then the pipe sections can be held together, but the friction makes it difficult to align the pipes accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing member acts as a precision-enabling intermediary that eliminates frictional resistance during alignment operations. Its rolling contact surface allows the second pipe to be freely rotated and displaced longitudinally to achieve precise alignment, while still providing stability once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The substitution of friction-based engagement with rolling contact bearing engagement removes the force resistance that impedes precise alignment. The bearing system allows for smooth, controlled movements necessary for achieving high alignment precision while maintaining section stability.
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
The tool enables precise alignment of pipe sections without damaging them, allowing for easy rotation and axial movement, ensuring accurate joining by welding or bolting, while maintaining the vertical load without resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing member rotatably supported on said at least one pipe engaging member so as to be adapted for rolling contact with the second pipe section
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.