Pipe Fusion Machine Loading Arms Using Transverse End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fusion machines require manual or additional mechanical assistance to load and position polyethylene pipes for welding, which affects consistency and efficiency in pipeline construction.
Innovation Solution
A loading device with pivoting effector arms and actuators that lift and position elongated objects, such as polyethylene pipes, by contacting them below their axis to apply a lifting force, allowing the pipe fusion machine to translate and position the pipes for fusion welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading or additional machines are used to load pipes, then the pipe fusion machine can perform welding operations, but the loading process requires additional equipment and manual labor reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is integrated with the pipe fusion machine, combining the loading function and welding function into a single unified system. The loading device includes effector arms with end effectors that can lift and position pipes, while the fusion machine performs welding operations. This merging eliminates the need for separate loading machines and manual labor, directly resolving the contradiction by improving loading efficiency without requiring additional equipment.
2Reliability
If manual loading is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but loading consistency and speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is designed to automatically lift and position pipes without requiring manual intervention. The effector arms with end effectors self-actuate to grasp the pipe, lift it to the correct position, and release it for welding. This self-service capability ensures consistent loading operations while eliminating manual labor, directly addressing the contradiction between loading consistency and ease of operation.
3Force
If the end effector axis is parallel to the elongate axis of the pipe, then the lifting mechanism is simpler, but the lifting force cannot be applied effectively below the pipe axis
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with rotational capability about an axis transverse to the pipe's elongate axis. This dynamic orientation allows the end effector to approach the pipe from below, apply lifting force at the optimal location (below the pipe axis), and then rotate to align with the pipe for secure lifting. The dynamic adjustment of the end effector axis from a transverse position during approach to a parallel position during lifting resolves the contradiction between effective force application and device complexity.
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
Enables efficient and consistent loading of pipes into fusion machines, reducing manual labor and improving the speed and reliability of the welding process by allowing the pipe fusion machine to handle the pipes effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first effector arm that pivots about the first fulcrum surface, the first effector arm having a first end effector, a second effector arm that pivots about the second fulcrum surface
Implementation Method 2
When the loading device lifts an elongated object with the first effector arm and the second effector arm located in the deployed position
Implementation Method 3
an actuator moving the first effector arm and the second effector arm between a retracted position and a deployed position
Data Source
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AI summary
A loading device for lifting an elongated object having an elongate axis (91) includes a frame(102) having a first fulcrum surface (106) and a second fulcrum surface (107), a first effector arm (110) that pivots about the first fulcrum surface, the first effector arm having a first end effector (112), a second effector arm (120) that pivots about the second fulcrum surface, the second effector arm having a second end effector (122), and an actuator (108) moving the first effector arm and the second effector arm between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein the first end effector and the second end effector each comprise a lifting surface (117, 127) inclined to a ground surface (70), the first end effector comprises a first end effector axis (113), the second end effector comprises a second end effector axis (123), and when the loading device lifts an elongated object with the first effector arm and the second effector arm located in the deployed position, the first end effector axis and the second end effector axis are both transverse to an elongate axis of the elongated object.