Metal Pipe Forming Layout That Clears Gas Supply Transport Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing forming systems face issues where the gas supply unit obstructs the transport of metal pipe materials between preliminary forming apparatuses and cutting devices, leading to increased moving mechanism size and prolonged forming cycles.
Innovation Solution
The gas supply unit is positioned off the direct transport paths between the preliminary forming apparatus and forming apparatus, and forming apparatus and cutting device, allowing for a V or U-shaped arrangement, reducing interference and site area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gas supply unit is disposed on the transport path between preliminary forming apparatus and forming apparatus, then the forming operation can be performed, but the gas supply unit becomes an obstacle and increases the size of moving mechanism required
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply unit is extracted from the main body of the forming apparatus and positioned separately at a location that does not interfere with the transport paths. This allows the forming operation to continue while eliminating the obstruction problem and reducing the size of the moving mechanism needed for the gas supply unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas supply unit is repositioned from a location on the linear transport path to a location in a different spatial arrangement (V-shaped or U-shaped layout). By changing the dimensional arrangement of components, the gas supply unit no longer intersects with transport paths, eliminating the obstruction without requiring large moving mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the gas supply unit is moved largely when metal pipe material is transported, then obstruction is avoided, but time for moving the gas supply unit increases and forming cycle time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply unit is preliminarily positioned at an optimal location before the forming operation begins. By pre-positioning the gas supply unit at a location that does not obstruct transport paths, there is no need to move it during the forming cycle, thus avoiding time loss and maintaining efficient cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static gas supply unit that must be moved during operation to a dynamically optimized fixed position. The gas supply unit is positioned once in a location that accommodates both transport and forming operations, eliminating the need for repeated movements during the forming cycle and reducing cycle time.
3Ease of manufacture
If the gas supply unit is disposed on the transport path from forming apparatus to cutting device, then gas supply is available, but the gas supply unit obstructs the formed metal pipe transport
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply unit is extracted from the transport path between the forming apparatus and cutting device. By positioning the gas supply unit separately, both gas supply availability for forming operations and transport efficiency for finished pipes are maintained without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas supply unit is repositioned to a location in a different spatial dimension relative to the transport path. In the V-shaped or U-shaped arrangement, the gas supply unit occupies a position that does not intersect with the transport path, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without obstruction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration prevents obstruction, reduces the need for large moving mechanisms, and minimizes the forming cycle time while optimizing the system's layout.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supply unit which supplies gas into the heated metal pipe material to expand the metal pipe material into a shape corresponding to the shape of the die
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A disclosed forming system is a forming system which expands and forms a metal pipe in a die. The forming system includes a preliminary forming apparatus which preliminarily forms a metal pipe material, a forming apparatus which includes a gas supply unit which supplies gas into the preliminary-formed and heated metal pipe material to expand the metal pipe material and a main body portion to which the die is attached, and a cutting device which cuts at least a portion of the formed metal pipe. The gas supply unit is provided so as not to be disposed on a first straight line which connects the preliminary forming apparatus and the main body portion in a plan view and a second straight line which connects the cutting device and the main body portion in a plan view.