Pipe Handling Head and Strap Assembly for Coating-Safe Manipulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handling of larger diameter and longer pipes is difficult and dangerous, and existing technologies do not adequately protect coatings and exterior features during transport and installation, posing challenges in manipulation and safety.

Innovation Solution

A pipe handling device with a curved head member, ratchet strap, and connector that secures to an actuator, allowing for hands-free manipulation and protection of pipes by exerting forces without direct contact, thereby reducing the risk of damage and injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct manual handling of large diameter and long pipes is used, then manipulation flexibility is maintained, but safety deteriorates and risk of injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanipulation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pipe handling device as an intermediary between the user and the pipe. The device includes a head member that contacts the pipe, straps that secure around the pipe, and a connector that links to actuators. This intermediary mechanism allows users to manipulate large pipes safely without direct contact, resolving the contradiction between safety and manipulation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If direct contact handling methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but coating protection deteriorates and damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling device structureVSAvoidcoating damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs straps that wrap around the pipe to provide a protective interface between the handling device and the pipe surface. These flexible straps distribute contact forces and prevent direct damage to the pipe coating, addressing the contradiction between device simplicity and coating protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If manual handling of heavy pipes is performed, then equipment requirements are reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to safety precautions and handling difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidpipe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct manual mechanical handling with an automated system. The connector couples to actuators or movable devices that exert forces and moments on the pipe through the handling device, eliminating the need for direct human contact and enabling efficient handling of heavy pipes while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If pipe handling devices with securement mechanisms are used, then pipe control improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe controlVSAvoidhandling device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe handling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a head member for pipe contact, straps for securement around the pipe, and a connector for actuator coupling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while keeping the overall device manageable and not excessively complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 facilitates safe and efficient handling of pipes by eliminating direct contact, protecting coatings, and reducing the risk of pinch points and other injuries, enabling safer movement and installation of pipes without damaging exterior features.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one strap is configured to tighten around the targeted piping section, wherein tightening of the at least one strap around the targeted piping section brings the head member toward an exterior surface of the targeted piping member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the at least one strap comprises a ratchet strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20230250895A1Devices and methods to facilitate the handling of pipe sections

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 PIPE HANDLING DEVICE ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

According to some embodiments, a device for assisting manipulation of an elongated member comprises a head member, at least one strap to secure to first and second ends of the head member, the at least one strap being sized and configured to extend around the elongated member, wherein the at least one strap is configured to tighten around the elongated member, wherein tightening of the at least one strap around the elongated member brings the head member toward an exterior surface of the elongated member, and a connector coupled to the head member, wherein the connector is configured to secure to an actuator or movable device in order to exert desired forces or moments to the device and the elongated member to which the device is secured, wherein use of the device eliminates the need for contact between a user and the elongated member.