Pipe Grooving Cams With Geared Profile Control and Flare Limiting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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, reducing operator involvement and improving production rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If roll grooving machines are used to form circumferential grooves in pipe elements, then grooves can be formed with controlled depth and shape, but the machines require significant torque, have low production rates, and need complicated actuator systems and operator adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The die is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted radially. Each segment can be positioned to control the groove formation at different locations around the pipe circumference, eliminating the need for complex actuators while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using actuators to force rollers into engagement with the pipe, the invention uses a fixed die with segments that radially engage the pipe during rotation. The control mechanism is inverted from active actuation to passive geometric constraint, simplifying the device while maintaining groove precision.
2Strength
If roll grooving machines apply significant torque to the pipe element, then grooves can be formed through cold working, but production rates are reduced and many revolutions are required to achieve a finished groove
Solution Approach 1:
The die segments have curved surfaces that match the pipe's outer diameter, allowing the die to rotate with the pipe without slipping. This spherical contact geometry enables continuous groove formation in a single rotation, dramatically increasing production rate while maintaining cold working capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe is pre-positioned against a stop that locates the groove formation point at a predetermined distance from the pipe end. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for multiple revolutions and adjustments, allowing the groove to be formed in a single pass and maximizing productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If circumferential grooves are impressed near the end of a pipe element, then the groove can be formed at the required location, but the end region of the pipe element expands in diameter causing flare
Solution Approach 1:
The die segments are designed with different radial positions and engagement forces at different locations around the pipe. The segments apply localized pressure precisely where the groove is needed without affecting the overall pipe end geometry, preventing flare while maintaining groove location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A stop is positioned to locate the pipe end at a predetermined distance from the die before groove formation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures the groove is formed at the exact required location without causing uncontrolled expansion or flare of the pipe end.
4Manufacturing precision
If operators manually adjust roller travel to achieve the desired groove radius, then groove precision can be achieved, but operator involvement and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The die segments are designed with self-adjusting features that automatically position themselves radially based on the pipe's outer diameter. The segments self-regulate their engagement depth through geometric constraints and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for operator adjustments while maintaining groove radius accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The die segment geometry and material properties are selected to automatically compensate for variations in pipe diameter. The segments undergo controlled elastic deformation that self-regulates the groove depth, changing physical parameters to achieve precision without manual intervention and reducing operator time.
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 accurate and efficient formation of circumferential grooves with minimal torque application, reducing flare and improving production rates by using a pinion and cam surfaces with specific geometries and a gear system, allowing for precise control and reduced operator involvement.
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. Each cam surface has a region of increasing radius and may have a region of constant radius. Second cam surfaces, positioned in spaced relation axially to the first cam surfaces, may also extend around the cam bodies. The second cam surfaces have a constant radius and limit flare of the pipe element.