Pipe Joint Applicator Feedback Control for Consistent Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe jointing techniques are prone to variability in quality due to reliance on manual skills and are influenced by environmental and subjective factors, leading to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint applicator with a control device that provides target process parameters for controlling process control means, allowing for the detection of actual process parameters and ensuring consistent and traceable assembly and disassembly of pipe connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pipe jointing techniques are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated applicator system that uses controlled mechanical forces, pneumatic actuators, and electronic control to apply jointing compounds and assemble pipe joints. This substitution eliminates the variability of manual skill while maintaining operational ease through user-friendly controls and automated processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated control systems are introduced, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator system incorporates sensors and control devices that detect actual process parameters (such as compound application amount, pipe positioning, and joint assembly forces) and automatically adjust operations to maintain target parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent joint quality while the control system manages complexity through automated parameter adjustment rather than requiring complex manual procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If process parameters are strictly controlled, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors and adjusts process parameters without requiring operator intervention. The applicator self-regulates compound application rates, positioning accuracy, and assembly forces based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for operators to manually control complex parameters while maintaining ease of operation through simple activation and monitoring.
4Device complexity
If manual assembly methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable manual assembly with a controlled mechanical system that applies consistent forces, torques, and positioning through automated actuators and control devices. This mechanical substitution ensures reliable joint assembly by eliminating the variability of manual skill while the control system manages complexity through automated parameter regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a pipe joint applicator with a control device and a method for producing a joint between a first pipe element and a second pipe element. The pipe joint applicator with a control device thereby detects actual process parameters via means for actual value detecting. The pipe joint applicator with a control device and the method determines therefrom the target process parameters for process control means for controlling the process parameters to be delivered to a pipe joint to be made. The pipe joint applicator with a control device optionally compares at least one actual value of the process parameters to at least one target process parameter and, in the event of deviation from at least one tolerance value range, issues an alarm to the user and/or generates an error protocol.