3D Pipe Machining Positioning With Laser Tracking and Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual pipe machining processes lack accuracy and efficiency, especially in environments requiring precise cuts and multiple pipe manipulations, leading to confusion and errors in positioning and cutting pipes.

Innovation Solution

A pipe machining system comprising a positioning apparatus, a pipe machining apparatus, and a position tracking system that allows for precise three-dimensional positioning of the pipe machining apparatus relative to the pipe, using laser-based tracking and automatic actuatable clamps to ensure accurate alignment and cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual clamping and positioning methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe cutting accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and clamping with an automated positioning apparatus that uses a three-dimensional coordinate system and computer-controlled movement. The apparatus includes automated clamping mechanisms and position tracking systems that eliminate manual intervention, thereby achieving high precision pipe cutting while maintaining manageable system complexity through integration of control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning apparatus incorporates self-positioning capabilities through automatic clamping mechanisms and position tracking systems. The system can independently determine its location within the three-dimensional coordinate system and automatically adjust its position, eliminating the need for manual positioning and ensuring consistent cutting accuracy without requiring complex external positioning equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated positioning systems are implemented, then the productivity and accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe machining efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning apparatus is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines positioning, tracking, clamping, and cutting functions in a single apparatus. The position tracking system serves multiple purposes including location determination, alignment verification, and cutting position verification. This multi-functionality increases productivity while managing device complexity by consolidating functions rather than adding separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a three-dimensional coordinate system as an intermediary framework that simplifies the control and tracking of the positioning apparatus. By establishing a reference coordinate system with origin point and axes, the complex spatial positioning problem is transformed into manageable coordinate calculations, enabling automated control without requiring overly complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If manual operation is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning apparatus incorporates position tracking systems that continuously monitor and provide feedback on the apparatus's location within the three-dimensional coordinate system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time position verification and automatic correction of positioning errors, achieving high measurement precision while simplifying operation as the system self-corrects without requiring manual measurement and adjustment by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system enables precise and efficient cutting operations by accurately positioning the pipe machining apparatus within a three-dimensional coordinate system, improving accuracy and reducing operator error in complex piping environments.

Implementation Method 1

using laser-based tracking and automatic actuatable clamps to ensure accurate alignment and cutting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3807046B1Pipe machining system for positioning pipe machining apparatus in three-dimensional coordinate system

Publication Date: 2023.08.02 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

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AI summary

In one aspect, a pipe machining system is provided and includes a positioning apparatus, a pipe machining apparatus, and an adjustment member coupled to the positioning apparatus and a pipe machining apparatus. The adjustment member is configured to move the pipe machining apparatus relative to the positioning apparatus. In one aspect, the pipe machining system also includes a position tracking apparatus configured to identify a position of the pipe machining apparatus relative to a pipe on which the system is mounted.