Pipe Alignment Clamp Rings With Swivel Adjustment for Faster Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe alignment tools are bulky, heavy, and difficult to maneuver, requiring long assembly times and being limited in their ability to join various types of pipes and fittings, especially those with imperfect cross sections, and often hinder the workspace of welders.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight alignment tool with adjustable toggle clamps and swivel assemblies that can be used to position and align tubular sections, including straight pipes, elbow fittings, and tee fittings, by adjusting the distance and angular relation between clamping rings, allowing for quick and accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional pipe alignment tools with multiple screws and bolts are used, then alignment precision is achieved, but assembly time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool is divided into two separate rings (first ring and second ring) that can be independently positioned on each pipe end, with each ring containing alignment features that work together to achieve precise alignment without requiring multiple fastening points
Solution Approach 2:
The rings are pre-configured with alignment features (such as pins, slots, or keyed interfaces) that automatically guide the pipes into correct alignment when the rings are mounted, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment screws and bolts during assembly
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional pipe alignment tools with multiple screws and bolts are used, then alignment precision is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into two independent rings that can be manufactured and assembled separately, each ring containing simplified alignment features that together provide complete alignment functionality without requiring a complex multi-component structure
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides alignment references, locates the pipes radially, maintains spacing, and enables welding access, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices and reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If closely spaced rings are used to fit different pipe types, then versatility is improved, but welder workspace is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rings are designed with adjustable spacing capabilities, allowing the distance between the first and second rings to be modified based on the specific pipe or fitting being joined, enabling the welder to optimize workspace access while maintaining tool functionality across different pipe types
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the alignment features into two distinct rings rather than using a single integrated device, the tool allows flexible positioning and spacing adjustment to accommodate different welding approaches and access requirements
4Manufacturing precision
If alignment tools are designed for perfectly rounded cross sections, then alignment precision is achieved, but adaptability to different pipe types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure is designed to accommodate various pipe cross-section shapes (round, oval, square, rectangular) and fitting types (elbows, tees, crosses) through flexible positioning and adjustable spacing, providing universal alignment capability across different pipe types while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment tool for positioning and aligning the adjacent ends of pipes in optimum desired relation for joining the tubular sections by welding. The alignment tool comprises a first and second annularly shaped clamping rings and a plurality of swivel assemblies connecting and circumferentially spaced about the first and second clamping rings, wherein the swivel assemblies adjust the distance between the first and second clamping rings and adjust the first and second clamping rings transversely and axially with respect to each other. Each swivel assembly comprises a first swivel portion connected to the first clamping ring, a second swivel portion connected to the second clamping ring, and a threaded bolt extending through the first swivel portion and the second swivel portion. The first swivel portion comprises an axel alignment swivel including a longitudinal shaft with a first partial spherical portion at its center, wherein the first partial spherical portion is retained within a bore extending through the first clamping ring. The second swivel portion comprises a second partial spherical portion that is retained within a bore extending through the second clamping ring.