Pipe Machining Coupling Member Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe machining apparatuses face challenges in aligning and coupling semi-circular frame halves due to the complexity of aligning numerous dowel pins and holes, which can lead to binding issues and require high machining accuracy for split line mating surfaces, making assembly and disassembly cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A pipe machining apparatus with a coupling member that includes a moveable arm and engagement member, allowing for easy alignment and coupling of frame sections through a threaded mechanism and detent mechanism, reducing the need for precise machining of mating surfaces and simplifying the alignment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If numerous dowel pins and holes are used to align frame halves, then alignment precision is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex dowel pin and hole alignment system entirely, replacing it with a simplified coupling mechanism using coupling members that connect frame sections without requiring multiple precise pin-hole alignments. This extracts the problematic alignment system while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coupling members as intermediary components between frame sections. These coupling members include alignment features and connection mechanisms that simplify the alignment process, acting as mediators that eliminate the need for direct pin-hole alignment between frame halves.
2Manufacturing precision
If high machining accuracy is required for split line mating surfaces, then coupling precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for high-precision machining of split line mating surfaces by eliminating the dowel pin alignment system that demanded such precision. The new coupling mechanism tolerates less precise surfaces while maintaining functional alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tolerance parameters required for mating surfaces. Instead of requiring tight tolerances for pin-hole alignment, the coupling member system operates with relaxed tolerances, reducing machining precision requirements while maintaining coupling functionality.
3Reliability
If dowel pins are not properly aligned with dowel holes, then binding occurs, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members act as intermediaries that incorporate alignment features such as tapered surfaces, guide pins, or self-aligning mechanisms. These features guide the coupling members into proper alignment during assembly, preventing binding while simplifying the assembly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members include preliminary alignment features that automatically align the frame sections before final engagement. This preliminary action of self-alignment prevents binding issues during the coupling process while reducing assembly difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe machining apparatuses, coupling members, and methods of assembling pipe machining apparatuses are provided. In one aspect, a coupling member for coupling together a first section and a second section of a pipe machining apparatus includes a first housing member adapted to couple to the first section, a second housing member adapted to couple to the second section, an arm movably coupled to the first housing member, and an engagement member coupled to the arm. The arm is adapted to move between a coupled condition, in which the engagement member engages the second housing member, and an uncoupled condition, in which the engagement member does not engage the second housing member.