Pipe Bend Die Hinged Wiper Segmentation for Crinkling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe bending technologies face challenges in preventing crinkling during rotary draw bending, leading to wear issues and frequent replacements of wiper components, and struggle with efficient die changes for different pipe sizes and types.

Innovation Solution

A pipe bend die unit with a rotatable bend die featuring a clamp member and counter pressure member with half-circular grooves and protrusions, allowing for smooth operation and easy die changes, while preventing crinkling through a hinged connection and optimized surface contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a wedge-shaped tip end portion is used on the wiper to prevent crinkling, then crinkling prevention is improved, but the wiper becomes fragile and wear resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrinkling preventionVSAvoidwiper durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment having a different thickness. The tip end portion has a smaller thickness than the base portion, creating a gradual transition rather than an abrupt wedge shape. This segmentation allows the tip to be thin enough to prevent crinkling while the thicker base portions maintain structural strength and wear resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the wiper have different thickness characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The tip end portion is made thinner locally to prevent crinkling, while the base portion maintains greater thickness for strength. This local quality variation optimizes both crinkling prevention and durability without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the wiper tip end portion is made thinner to minimize crinkling, then crinkling prevention is improved, but the wiper becomes fragile and lacks durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrinkling preventionVSAvoidwiper strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If frequent wiper replacements are performed to counteract wear, then wear resistance is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to frequent interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidcontinuous bending operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper is divided into multiple segments along its length, with the tip end portion being thinner and the base portion being thicker. This segmentation allows the thicker base portions to withstand wear for extended periods, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintaining continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper is designed with a thickness distribution that anticipates wear patterns during operation. The thicker base portions are positioned to provide long-term durability, while the thinner tip portions perform the crinkling prevention function. This preliminary design consideration extends the service life of the wiper and reduces maintenance interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If complex adjustment operations are required for initial bending settings, then bending precision can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates and skilled technique is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending precisionVSAvoidinitial setting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper's thickness distribution is designed to automatically adapt to the bending process requirements. The varying thickness profile self-regulates the interaction between the wiper and pipe during bending, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments. The wiper essentially configures itself for optimal performance across different bending operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9707610B2Pipe bend die unit, and pipe bending apparatus having the unit

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 SANGO CO LTD

AI summary

A pipe bend die unit includes a bend die that comprises a clamp member and a counter pressure member, wherein the clamp member has a first groove part of half-circular cross section and a fitting recess extending in a peripheral direction by a first predetermined length on a planar surface perpendicular to a rotary axis. A fitting protrusion of the counter pressure member is positioned in the fitting recess to form a pipe-receiving groove of half-circular cross section, so that the counter pressure member and the clamp member are hingedly connected to one another about the rotary axis so as to be rotated relative to each other. The fitting recess possesses width expanding end face areas, where a clearance between opposing end faces is enlarged in a predetermined distance range including at least a radially outer end portion, from the rotary axis toward a radial outside.