Pipe Column Selection Assembly for Horizontal Boring Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal boring machines for underground pipeline installation are burdened by heavy and bulky pipe column selection assemblies that add unnecessary weight and complexity, hindering efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A pipe column selection assembly featuring an elongate rotatable shaft with longitudinally spaced and angularly offset stop elements, and a longitudinally positionable bolt element that blocks the rotational path of selected stop elements, minimizing additional structure and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe column selection assemblies are used, then reliable pipe section handling is achieved, but the machine weight and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe column selection assembly is segmented into discrete stop elements (first, second, third stop elements) arranged at different radial positions on the shaft, allowing selective engagement to control shuttle arm movement to different pipe columns. This segmentation enables reliable pipe handling through selective stopping positions while minimizing overall structural complexity compared to a monolithic assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft with multiple stop elements serves multiple functions: it supports the shuttle arm, provides selectable stopping positions for different pipe columns, and enables precise positioning without requiring separate mechanisms for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the overall weight and complexity while maintaining reliable pipe section handling.
2Reliability
If traditional pipe column selection assemblies are used, then reliable pipe section handling is achieved, but the structural complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly uses discrete stop elements positioned at specific radial distances from the shaft center, allowing simple mechanical engagement to control shuttle arm positioning. This segmented approach reduces structural complexity compared to complex mechanical linkages while maintaining reliable pipe section handling through precise stopping positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to actively move and position the shuttle arm to different columns, the invention uses passive stop elements on a rotating shaft that the shuttle arm engages. This inverted approach simplifies the overall structure by replacing active positioning mechanisms with passive stopping elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If precise control over shuttle arm movement is maintained with reduced weight, then operational efficiency is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented stop elements allow precise control of the shuttle arm at different radial positions, enabling efficient pipe section handling by quickly positioning the arm at the correct pipe column. The lightweight segmented structure achieves this precision without the weight penalty of traditional heavy-duty positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted mechanism where the shaft rotates with stop elements rather than complex active positioning systems enables precise shuttle arm control with minimal weight. This approach enhances productivity by simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining accurate positioning capability for efficient pipe section handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe handling assembly carried by a horizontal boring machine includes a pipe box having a plurality of columns. One or more pipe sections may be received and stored in any of the columns. A pair of shuttle arms are used to move the pipe sections from the pipe box to a carriage included in the machine. The pipe column selection assembly includes an elongate rotatable shaft that carries a series of stop elements. A shaft-mounted pinion gear drives movement of the shuttle arms. A longitudinally positionable bolt element can block the rotational path of any selected one of the stop elements. Such blockage stops movement of the shuttle arms beneath a corresponding one of the columns. The pipe column selection assembly allows an operator to select which column to load or unload a pipe section into and from within a pipe box.