Pipe Grooving Cam Mechanism for Precise Low-Torque Groove Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll grooving machines face challenges in accurately and efficiently forming circumferential grooves in pipe elements with precise tolerances, often requiring complex designs, significant torque, and high operator involvement, while also dealing with flare issues near the pipe ends.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pinion, expanding die, and cam surfaces with specific geometries and a gear system that allows for precise control of groove formation with minimal torque, using a combination of cam surfaces and die segments to form grooves with controlled flare and accurate dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If roll grooving machines are used to form circumferential grooves, then grooves can be formed in pipe elements, but the groove radius precision and tolerance control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding die is divided into multiple die segments that can be independently adjusted radially. This segmentation allows precise control of the groove formation process while simplifying the overall device structure by eliminating complex actuators for each adjustment point.
Solution Approach 2:
The die segments are made movable radially toward and away from the pipe element, allowing dynamic adjustment during the grooving process. This dynamic capability enables precise groove radius control without requiring complex fixed adjustment mechanisms.
2Productivity
If roll grooving machines apply significant torque to form grooves, then grooves can be formed, but production rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism introduces a vibratory or oscillating motion to the die segments during groove formation. This mechanical vibration reduces the friction and resistance between the die and pipe surface, allowing groove formation with significantly reduced torque and faster production rates.
3Manufacturing precision
If circumferential grooves are formed near pipe ends, then grooves can be positioned, but flare increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-positions the die segments and cam mechanism before groove formation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the groove is formed at the exact desired location near the pipe end, while the controlled die movement prevents premature pipe end expansion and flare.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism changes the radial position parameter of the die segments dynamically during the grooving process. By controlling the timing and magnitude of this parameter change, the device achieves precise groove positioning while minimizing the pipe end flare effect.
4Manufacturing precision
If operators adjust roller travel to achieve desired groove radius, then groove precision can be improved, but operator involvement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The die segments are designed to self-adjust radially through the cam mechanism during operation. This self-service capability automatically achieves the desired groove radius without requiring manual operator adjustment, eliminating the need for skilled operator involvement while maintaining high precision.
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 solution enables rapid, accurate, and low-torque formation of circumferential grooves across a range of pipe sizes with reduced operator involvement and improved precision, addressing the challenges of flare control and tolerance in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of cam bodies are each mounted on a respective one of the gears. One of a plurality of first cam surfaces extend around a respective one of the cam bodies.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of gears are mounted on the carriage. Each gear is rotatable relatively to the carriage about a respective gear axis. Each gear engages with the pinion.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for forming circumferential grooves in pipe elements uses multiple geared cam bodies mounted on a carriage which rotates about a fixed pinion. The gears engage with the pinion which causes the geared cam bodies to rotate relative to the carriage. Traction surfaces and cam surfaces on the cam bodies traverse the outer surface of the pipe element and impress a circumferential groove therein. To substantially prevent rotation of the pipe element the pitch circle diameter of the pinion equals the outer diameter of the pipe element and the pitch circle diameters of the traction surfaces equal the pitch circle diameters of the gears.