Continuous Pipe Feeder with Soft Pads to Protect Welded Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe laying machines clamp against welded joints of pipes, causing damage and requiring frequent stops for repairs, which disrupts the continuous pipeline construction process.

Innovation Solution

A continuous pipe feeder machine equipped with soft pads strategically located to move pipes without compressing welded joints, utilizing a sensor to maintain precise intervals and avoid direct contact with welds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional pipe laying machines use rigid clamps to move pipes, then the pipes can be effectively transported, but the welded joints of the pipes are compressed and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe transport efficiencyVSAvoiddamage to welded joints

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the clamping interface by replacing rigid clamps with soft pads. This parameter change allows the pads to conform to the pipe surface and distribute clamping forces uniformly, avoiding concentration of stress at welded joints while maintaining effective pipe transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning soft pads at specific locations along the pipe length, strategically avoiding welded joint areas. The pads are placed only on sections of the pipe where they can exert force without damaging critical welded joints, creating a non-uniform distribution of clamping elements that protects vulnerable areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the machine clamps against welded joints to move the pipe, then the pipe can be moved, but the machine requires frequent stops for repairs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe handling capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by using sensors to detect the position of welded joints before the clamping mechanism engages. The system identifies joint locations in advance and adjusts pad positioning or clamping force accordingly, preventing damage before it occurs and eliminating the need for repair stops

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the machine uses a sensor to avoid welded joints, then the pipe is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from welded joint damageVSAvoidsensor and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing and adjustment mechanisms with simpler sensor-based detection combined with programmable control logic. The sensor system identifies joint positions, and the control system automatically adjusts pad positioning, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic sensing and control that achieves the same protective function more elegantly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12280963B2Continuous pipe feeder machine which avoids clamping against welded joints of a pipe

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 UNIVERSAL HDD

AI summary

A continuous pipe feeder machine which avoids clamping against welded joints of a pipe is provided. The continuous pipe feeder machine is especially suitable for use in pipeline and tunnel construction. The system includes soft pads for moving a pipe. The soft pads of the machine for moving the pipe are located at strategic locations on the machine so that a pipe fed into the machine gets moved without the pads compressing and damaging the welded joints of the pipe.