Pipe Laying Machine Cantilever Beam Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe laying machines face challenges such as overturning risks, limited lifting capacity, synchronism issues during simultaneous operation, and safety concerns due to handling of large suspended loads, leading to increased costs and accident risks.
Innovation Solution
A pipe laying machine with a self-propelled chassis, a lateral beam, and a moving chassis that allows the pipe to be supported and laid by translating along a beam, reducing the risk of overturning and enabling continuous laying with fewer machines, while minimizing the need for operators to handle suspended loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple pipe laying machines are used to increase lifting capacity, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the cost and complexity of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe laying machine is divided into two independent chassis: a first self-propelled chassis for travel and power, and a second moving chassis for pipe handling. This segmentation allows each chassis to be optimized for its specific function, enabling a single machine to achieve the lifting capacity previously requiring multiple machines while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a lateral beam extending from the first chassis, creating a three-dimensional configuration. The second chassis moves along this beam, allowing the pipe to be positioned far from the center of gravity without requiring additional counterweight machines. This dimensional change enables a single machine to handle loads that previously required multiple machines positioned side by side
2Strength
If counterweights are added to increase lifting capacity, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the machine dimensions exceed transport limits
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending counterweights laterally beyond transport limits, the invention uses a lateral beam configuration where the second chassis moves along the beam. This allows the load to be positioned far from the center of gravity in a controlled manner without requiring excessive lateral dimensions, keeping the machine within transportable size limits while maintaining high lifting capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The second chassis is made movable along the lateral beam, allowing dynamic adjustment of the pipe position during operation. This dynamic configuration replaces static counterweights with a movable counterbalancing chassis that can be repositioned as needed, providing lifting capacity without fixed dimensional constraints
3Productivity
If simultaneous operation of multiple machines is used to lay pipe, then the laying capacity is improved, but synchronism issues cause swinging movements and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe laying function is segmented between two independent chassis that can operate semi-independently. The first chassis provides stable propulsion and positioning, while the second chassis handles pipe manipulation. This segmentation eliminates the synchronism problems of multiple complete machines while maintaining high laying capacity through coordinated operation of the two chassis units
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral beam acts as an intermediary structure connecting the two chassis. It provides a stable reference frame that mediates between the propulsion function of the first chassis and the pipe handling function of the second chassis, enabling coordinated operation without the synchronism issues that arise when multiple independent machines operate simultaneously
4Ease of operation
If traditional pipe handling methods are used, then operators can control pipe positioning, but operators are exposed to large suspended loads creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The second chassis is equipped with its own drive means and actuation systems, enabling it to autonomously position and maneuver the pipe along the lateral beam. This self-service capability reduces the need for operators to manually handle or closely monitor suspended pipe loads, eliminating the safety hazards associated with operator exposure to large suspended weights while maintaining precise positioning control
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe laying machine for laying a pipe in a trench, includes a first self-propelled chassis (10) on which a driver's cab (11) and powertrain (12) are located, a beam (20) connected at a first end (20a) to the chassis and which extends laterally therefrom, a second moving chassis (30) connected at a second end (20b) of the beam and a guiding and supporting element (40) of a pipe, sliding on the beam toward and away from the self-propelled chassis, in which the self-propelled chassis can travel on a track (P) at the edge of the trench, the moving chassis (30) can travel on the bottom of the trench, and the guiding and supporting element can translate to carry the pipe to the trench so that by moving the machine forward along a direction of forward movement the cantilevered portion of pipe is laid on the bottom of the trench.