Pipe Positioning Grips for Short Pipes and Variable Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning devices for pipes in belling machines are inefficient for handling short pipes, prone to slipping and deformation, and require frequent changes of gripping elements for different diameters, leading to increased logistics and maintenance costs, as well as potential damage to the pipes during processing.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with concave-shaped gripping elements supported by elastic racks and an elastomeric strip with high friction coefficient, allowing for adjustable vertical positioning and reduced thrust force to securely grip pipes of varying diameters, maintaining stability and preventing deformation during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple V-shaped supports are used for pipe positioning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of pipe handling deteriorates for short pipes causing slipping and uncontrolled falling
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is segmented into multiple functional components: V-shaped supports for basic positioning, additional supporting elements for stability, and gripping elements for secure handling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability for short pipe handling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gripping elements are used to clamp pipes from above, then the stability of short pipes during movement is improved, but the risk of pipe surface damage and deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping elements are designed with localized contact points that apply force only at specific locations on the pipe, avoiding excessive pressure on the pipe surface. The V-shaped supports distribute the load across multiple contact points, reducing localized stress and preventing surface damage while maintaining adequate gripping force for stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of gripping elements are maintained for different pipe diameters, then the adaptability to various pipe sizes is improved, but the logistics cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device incorporates universal V-shaped supports and adjustable gripping elements that can accommodate multiple pipe diameters (32, 40, 50, 63, 75, 90, 110, 125, and 160 mm) with a single configuration. The gripping elements are designed to adapt to different diameters through elastic racks, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sets and reducing logistics and maintenance complexity.
4Reliability
If the gripping force is increased to prevent slipping, then the reliability of pipe handling is improved, but the deformation of the pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device uses elastic racks and friction-based gripping elements that provide cushioning between the gripping mechanism and the pipe. This cushioning effect allows sufficient gripping force to prevent slipping while distributing the pressure to avoid pipe deformation. The elastic deformation of the racks absorbs excess force, protecting the pipe from damage.
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 solution enables efficient and secure handling of pipes of different diameters, reducing the risk of slipping and deformation, minimizing the need for frequent element changes, and improving the quality of the pipe surface, while simplifying the adaptation process and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric strip with high friction coefficient, allowing for adjustable vertical positioning and reduced thrust force to securely grip pipes
Implementation Method 2
concave-shaped gripping elements supported by elastic racks
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Described is a positioning device for positioning pipes (2) made of plastic material, configured for picking up the pipes (2) and transferring them from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position keeping the pipes (2) parallel with one another and in a first predetermined direction (D1), the positioning device comprising a plurality of gripping elements (5) designed to engage by gripping with the pipes (2) to retain them during the transfer, each of the gripping elements (5) being designed to engage at the top with a pipe (2).