Gripping Mechanism for Blank Pipes Using Radial Metal Balls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing hot, plastic pipes during molecular orientation are inadequate as they deform easily, produce shavings, and face challenges in reliable gripping and release due to the pipe's malleable state and temperature sensitivity, which can lead to system jams and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A gripping mechanism using metal balls with tapered radial holes and grooved tubular pieces allows for variable movement and pressure distribution, ensuring secure grip and release by deforming the pipe with the balls, which retract as the pipe solidifies, and includes axial actuation and sealing elements for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple clamping or pressure systems are used to grip the pipe, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of gripping the plastic pipe is insufficient due to deformation and sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism is segmented into multiple components: a fixed tubular piece, a drilled tubular piece with tapered radial holes, and a grooved tubular piece that moves axially. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the fixed piece provides structural support, the drilled piece houses the balls, and the grooved piece controls ball movement - thereby improving gripping reliability without requiring an overly complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal balls serve as intermediary elements between the grooved tubular piece and the plastic pipe. These balls are inserted through tapered radial holes and deform the plastic pipe through controlled radial movement, providing reliable gripping force. The balls act as a mediator that transforms axial movement of the grooved piece into radial gripping action on the pipe.
2Temperature
If the pipe is gripped in a plastic state at high temperature, then molecular orientation can be achieved, but the pipe deforms easily and produces shavings under gripping force
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping force is applied locally through metal balls at specific points on the pipe surface rather than distributed clamping pressure. The balls create localized deformation zones that secure the pipe without subjecting the entire plastic structure to harmful shear stresses. This localized action prevents widespread deformation and shaving production while maintaining the pipe's plastic state for orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism exploits the temperature-dependent properties of the plastic pipe. At elevated temperatures above 100°C, the pipe remains in a plastic state that allows molecular orientation. The metal balls apply controlled radial force that temporarily deforms the plastic material for gripping, then release as the pipe solidifies, preventing permanent damage and shavings.
3Ease of operation
If the grooved piece moves axially to control ball movement, then the gripping force and release are regulated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grooved tubular piece is designed to move axially relative to the fixed tubular piece, creating a dynamic gripping mechanism. The axial movement of the grooved piece controls the radial position of the metal balls through the tapered holes - moving one way inserts the balls to grip the pipe, moving the other way retracts the balls for release. This dynamic design provides easy control of gripping force and release without complex actuation systems.
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 mechanism effectively secures and orients pipes with variable dimensions and clearances, preventing shavings and jams, while allowing for regulated grip force and movement, ensuring reliable operation and preventing system failures.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe is in a plastic state, i.e. with an elastomer-like appearance and easily malleable
Implementation Method 2
for the pipe that is to be oriented to be in a plastic state it must be hot, at temperatures above 100°C
Implementation Method 3
the axial movement of the grooved piece determines the radial movement of the ball towards the pipe
Implementation Method 4
it must be possible to release the grip correctly, bearing in mind that during the process there could be a change in the state of the plastic pipe and it could solidify
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
This mechanism offers a simple solution whereby an axial displacement of a grooved part (6) causes a radial displacement of rigid spheres (5) which grip and deform a tube (1) initially in a plastic state. Depending on the geometry of the grooves (7) in the grooved part (6) a variable clamping force is obtained. This fixing action is released simply with the return movement of the grooved part (6) into its initial position, since the associated tube (1), which is already in a solid state, ensures that the spheres (5) return into their initial position. The appropriate position for fixing the plastic tube can be detected by means of a sensor (11). Pressurisation of the plastic tube may be achieved by means of an elastic seal (10) on the part surrounding the tube (1).