Synchronized Pipe Grooving Cams for Precise One-Pass Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold working techniques for pipe elements face challenges in achieving precise groove radii and distances from the pipe end, leading to complex devices with low production rates and high operator involvement.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising cam gears, cam bodies, and synchronization gears within a housing, where cam surfaces with increasing radii and discontinuities engage the pipe element to form a circumferential groove, with a traction surface and engagement assembly to ensure precise alignment and rotation, allowing for quick and efficient groove formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If roll grooving machines with actuators and adjustable roller travel are used, then manufacturing precision of groove radius and position is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cam surfaces with specifically designed profiles where the radius measured from the rotation axis changes along the cam surface. This parameter change in the cam geometry directly controls the groove formation parameters (radius and position) without requiring complex actuators or adjustments, resolving the contradiction between precision and simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cam gears and synchronization gears create a self-regulating mechanism where the geometry of the cam surfaces automatically ensures precise groove formation. The synchronization gears maintain proper timing and positioning of multiple cam gears, making the system self-correcting without external actuators, thus achieving precision without complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If roll grooving machines with multiple revolutions are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces are pre-configured with the exact profile needed to create the groove in one pass. The synchronization gears are pre-set to maintain proper timing, allowing the groove to be formed completely in a single rotation of the pipe element, eliminating the need for multiple revolutions and thereby increasing productivity while maintaining precision
3Productivity
If cam gears with synchronization gears are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cam gears on a single rotating member, with each cam gear responsible for different aspects of groove formation. The synchronization gears mesh these cam gears together, merging their functions into a coordinated system that achieves high productivity through integrated operation rather than separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization gears serve multiple functions: they mesh the cam gears together to ensure they rotate in unison, they maintain proper timing relationships, and they enable the system to process multiple parameters simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high productivity without proportionally increasing 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
The device enables the formation of circumferential grooves with desired precision and speed, reducing operator involvement and increasing production rates while maintaining pipe roundness and tolerance across varying diameters.
Implementation Method 1
This invention concerns devices for cold working pipe elements
Implementation Method 2
A traction surface extends around at least one of the cam bodies
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe grooving device having a plurality of geared cams uses synchronizing gears, each of which meshes with two of the geared cams, to synchronize the rotation of the cams which engage the pipe element to form the groove. The position of the groove relative to the end of the pipe is controlled by a stop body which incorporates a plate mounted ring which engages and disengages with a pipe stop surface on one or more of the cams to limit or permit cam rotation. The pipe stop body is positioned within a cup which receives the pipe element. The cup limits pipe end flare and limits the tendency of the pipe to go out of round during the grooving process. The device mounts on a powered chuck which turns the pipe element.