Pipe Fusion Loading Arms for Consistent Pipe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fusion machines require manual lifting and positioning of polyethylene pipes for welding, which is inefficient and lacks consistency in the fusion welding process.
Innovation Solution
A loading device with pivoting effector arms and an actuator that lifts and positions elongated objects, such as polyethylene pipes, by pivoting the arms between retracted and deployed positions to apply a lifting force below the pipe's axis, allowing the pipe fusion machine to translate the pipe into position for welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual lifting and positioning of pipes is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and consistency of the fusion welding process deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is integrated into the pipe fusion machine, allowing the machine to load its own pipes automatically without requiring separate manual operations or additional external equipment, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe fusion machine is designed to perform multiple functions including both the fusion welding operation and the pipe loading operation through integrated effector arms, eliminating the need for separate manual loading processes and enhancing overall system productivity
2Device complexity
If manual lifting and positioning of pipes is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and consistency of the fusion welding process deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated loading device enables the machine to position pipes automatically with consistent precision through controlled effector arm movement, eliminating variability introduced by manual positioning while keeping the device structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The effector arms are designed to pivot between retracted and deployed positions, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate pipes of varying lengths and positions, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision across different operating conditions without excessive device complexity
3Ease of operation
If manual lifting and positioning of pipes is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and speed of the pipeline construction process deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The machine performs pipe loading automatically through its integrated effector arms, eliminating the need for separate manual loading operations and significantly improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The loading device enables continuous operation by automatically positioning pipes for fusion welding without interruption, allowing the pipeline construction process to proceed at higher speed without compromising operational simplicity
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
The loading device efficiently lifts and positions polyethylene pipes for fusion welding, enhancing the consistency and speed of the pipeline construction process by automating the pipe loading and positioning, thereby improving the reliability of the fusion welding operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first effector arm that pivots about the first fulcrum surface, a second effector arm that pivots about the second fulcrum surface, and an actuator moving the first effector arm and the second effector arm between a retracted position and a deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A loading device for lifting an elongated object having an elongate axis includes a frame having a first fulcrum surface and a second fulcrum surface, a first effector arm that pivots about the first fulcrum surface, a second effector arm that pivots about the second fulcrum surface, and an actuator moving the first effector arm and the second effector arm between a retracted position and a deployed position.