Pipe Gripping Assembly With Vibration-Damping Wedges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping machines for steel-formed materials and steel pipes are limited in their ability to handle components of varying sizes and shapes, and they often experience uncontrolled movements and damage due to inadequate vibration absorption during the driving and extraction process.

Innovation Solution

A gripping machine with a synchronized gripping unit, wedge assembly, and hydraulic driver that can grip and position steel-formed materials and pipes at any angle, featuring a bearing system for balanced pressure distribution and rubber wedges to absorb vibrations, ensuring secure handling and minimizing equipment damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If clamp systems hold the pipe wall thickness by means of a clamp to take steel pipes to vertical position, then the pipe can be positioned vertically, but only pipes with certain wall thickness can be lifted and their movements during lifting are uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different pipe wall thicknessesVSAvoidcontrol of pipe movement during lifting

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping machine uses a dynamic gripping mechanism with movable gripping members that can adapt to different pipe wall thicknesses. The gripping members are equipped with bearings that allow them to rotate and adjust their position dynamically, enabling the machine to handle pipes of varying dimensions while maintaining controlled movement throughout the lifting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping machine changes the parameters of the gripping force and the position of the gripping members to adapt to different pipe wall thicknesses. By adjusting the pressure distribution and the angular position of the gripping members, the system can securely hold pipes of various dimensions while preventing uncontrolled movements during lifting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If clutches grip components from their circumference to take them from horizontal to vertical position, then the components can be repositioned, but components with varying sizes and shapes cannot be effectively handled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reposition componentsVSAvoidability to handle varying sizes and shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping machine is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that can handle components of varying sizes and shapes. The gripping members are positioned at multiple locations and can be independently adjusted to accommodate different component geometries. This multi-functional design allows the machine to effectively reposition various types of steel-formed materials while maintaining secure grip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping machine divides the gripping function into multiple independent gripping members that can be positioned at different locations on the component. Each gripping member can be adjusted independently to match the specific geometry of the component being handled, enabling the machine to effectively reposition components of varying sizes and shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If vibro drivers are used to drive steel pipes into the ground, then driving efficiency is improved, but vibrations cause equipment damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving efficiencyVSAvoidvibration-induced equipment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping machine incorporates vibration-absorbing elements and cushioning mechanisms that are positioned in advance to protect the equipment from vibration-induced damage. These protective elements are integrated into the gripping unit and the mounting structure, providing beforehand cushioning that prevents harmful vibrations from reaching and damaging the equipment during the driving operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping machine converts the harmful vibrations generated during the driving process into beneficial controlled movements. By using the vibrations to enhance the driving efficiency while simultaneously using damping mechanisms to control and direct these vibrations, the system transforms the potentially harmful vibrational energy into a force that aids the driving process while protecting the equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 gripping machine effectively grips and positions steel-formed materials and pipes at desired angles, allowing for efficient driving and extraction while absorbing vibrations to prevent equipment damage and ensuring controlled movements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one bearing (3.2) which is located in the hole (3.1) and composed so that the gripping member (3) makes a turn around the centreline of this hole (3.1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

at least one wedge (5.1) which is composed so as to absorb vibrations occurring in the gripping unit (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3329052B1A gripping machine

Publication Date: 2022.05.11 OZKAN AYDIN

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a gripping machine (1) which is used for driving and extracting applications of steel-formed materials, profiles and steel pipes called as sheet piles, and has at least one gripping unit (2) that enables to position these materials to the floor in a preferred angle during driving.