Thermoplastic Pipe Branching Structure for Stable Low-Vibration Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe processing apparatuses for forming branches on thermoplastic pipes are bulky, difficult to handle, and inefficient, with complex designs that increase costs and compromise welding quality due to vibration and rigid adapter requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compact pipe processing apparatus featuring a base with a flexible, chain-like fastening system and a single elongated structural element that supports interchangeable tools, allowing for precise alignment and rotation of components for improved welding quality and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate posts are used to form the supporting structure, then the apparatus can be stable, but the apparatus becomes bulky and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate posts into a single integrated supporting structure that extends along the pipe. This single structure combines the functions of multiple posts while maintaining stability, reducing the apparatus to a more compact and manageable form that is easier to handle at building sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The single supporting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides stability, supports the base for fastening to the pipe, and accommodates the sliding base with processing tools. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If a flat base with multiple posts is used, then the apparatus can support processing tools, but the design becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the base support structure with the supporting posts into an integrated single structure. This eliminates the complexity of designing and manufacturing multiple separate components that must be assembled and aligned, while maintaining the strength required to support processing tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The single supporting structure is designed with segmented or modular features that allow it to perform multiple support functions at different locations along the pipe, replacing the need for a complex multi-post configuration while simplifying the overall design.
3Ease of operation
If the movable base slides on multiple posts, then the apparatus can perform processing operations, but alignment difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sliding mechanism from a complex multi-post environment and simplifies it by having the movable base slide along a single supporting structure. This eliminates the alignment difficulties between multiple posts while maintaining the capability to perform processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the sliding motion along the length of the single supporting structure rather than requiring precise alignment across multiple posts. This dimensional change in the sliding path simplifies the alignment requirements while preserving processing capability.
4Reliability
If an adapter duplicating the pipe shape is used to fasten the base, then the base can be securely attached, but the apparatus occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adapter function into the single supporting structure itself, which is designed to conform to the pipe shape. This integration eliminates the need for a separate bulky adapter component while maintaining secure fastening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure is designed to nest along the pipe surface, conforming to its cylindrical shape without requiring a large external adapter. This nested configuration maintains secure attachment while minimizing the apparatus's overall space occupation.
5Stability of the object's composition
If the saddle connector is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but heating and welding operations become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational freedom to the saddle connector while maintaining its structural stability through the single supporting framework. This allows the connector to be dynamically rotated into the correct orientation for heating and welding operations, then stabilized during the actual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single supporting structure is designed to preliminarily position the saddle connector in a stable manner, allowing subsequent rotational adjustment to the correct orientation for heating and welding. This preliminary stable positioning simplifies the overall operation sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe processing apparatus, for forming branches on pipes made of thermoplastic material, including a base adapted to be fastened to the outer wall of a pipe and a supporting structure which extends from the base; a support member is slidingly associated with the supporting structure and is adapted to receive an interchangeable processing/handling means configured to interact with the pipe; the apparatus also includes a movement means which engages the support member in order to move it on command along a processing axis. The supporting structure includes a single elongated structural element.