Pipe Handling Control for Accurate Automated Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working machines require skilled operators to accurately position and join pipes, leading to potential misalignment and damage due to variations in operational skills, and involve cumbersome multi-step operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors and controllers to automatically set and adjust the holding position of a pipe, using a working device with a holder and joining functional unit, and controlling the attachment to move precisely to joinable positions, reducing the need for skilled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation by operator is used to hold and position the pipe, then the working machine can be operated with simple equipment, but the positioning accuracy varies due to different operator skills and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect pipe position and the controller automatically adjusts the attachment's holding position, enabling the system to self-regulate without operator intervention. The sensor recognizes pipe position, the setter determines optimal holding position, and the controller executes positioning automatically, eliminating manual skill dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system comprising sensors, controllers, and algorithms. The sensor detects pipe position, the setter calculates optimal holding position based on detection results, and the controller automatically positions the attachment, substituting operator skill with automated measurement and control systems.
2Productivity
If multi-step operation is used to move the pipe to operation start position, then the working machine can be operated with simple control system, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the pipe's current position in advance, and the setter pre-calculates the optimal holding position and movement path before actual positioning begins. This preliminary detection and calculation enable the controller to execute smooth, direct positioning without multiple intermediate steps, reducing overall operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors pipe position and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the attachment's movement based on this feedback, enabling automatic positioning that eliminates the need for multiple manual adjustment steps. This closed-loop control system streamlines the positioning process while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If operator manually positions the pipe end close to to-be-joined pipe, then the equipment remains simple, but the positioning accuracy decreases due to skill variations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor automatically detects the pipe's position and orientation, and the controller autonomously adjusts the attachment to achieve precise alignment. The system serves itself by using sensor data to automatically position the pipe end accurately close to the to-be-joined pipe without requiring operator skill for manual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with an automated sensor-controller system. The sensor detects pipe position, the setter calculates the optimal holding position based on detection results, and the controller automatically positions the attachment, substituting operator skill with automated measurement and control systems to achieve consistent high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes a machine body, a working device provided on the machine body, an attachment provided on the working device to hold an elongated to-be-held object, a first sensor to recognize a position of one end portion of the to-be-held object, a setter to set a holding position based on a recognition result from the first sensor, the holding position being a position at which the to-be-held object is to be held by the attachment, a controller configured or programmed to control the working device. The controller is configured or programmed to control the working device to allow the attachment to hold the to-be-held object at the holding position set by the setter.