Pipe Rotation Rollers With Variable-Spaced Belt Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe processing arrangements face challenges in accommodating pipes with varying diameters and efficiently rotating them, often resulting in complex structures that are difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A pipe rotating arrangement with adjustable rollers and a roller belt that can accommodate pipes of different diameters, featuring a frame with slots for roller adjustment and a roller belt with varying element spacing to ensure optimal contact and rotation, utilizing a flexible belt instead of a mechanical presser for support and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical presser structure is used to support and rotate pipes, then the structure can provide stable support, but the structural complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical presser structure with a roller belt system. The roller belt, consisting of multiple roller elements arranged in a loop, uses friction and distributed contact forces instead of complex mechanical linkages to support and rotate the pipe. This substitution simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable support across varying pipe diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller belt acts as a flexible element that can adapt to different pipe diameters. Unlike rigid mechanical pressers, the flexible belt configuration allows the roller elements to conform to the pipe's curvature, providing stable support through distributed contact while eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the distance between roller elements is uniform, then the structure is simple, but the contact optimality for pipes of different diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing between roller elements based on their position in the belt. Roller elements are positioned with smaller spacing in regions where pipes of different diameters require more frequent contact points for optimal support, while larger spacing is used in regions where less contact is needed. This non-uniform distribution optimizes contact for varying pipe geometries without requiring a completely complex structure.
3Reliability
If a rigid support structure is used, then the support stability is high, but the adaptability to different pipe diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The roller belt system is inherently dynamic and adaptable. The belt can be tensioned and positioned to accommodate pipes of various diameters, and the roller elements can rotate independently to match the pipe's circumference. This dynamic configuration maintains support stability while providing versatility across different pipe sizes, unlike fixed rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller belt design serves multiple functions: it supports pipes of varying diameters, provides rotation capability, and distributes contact forces evenly. The same belt structure adapts to different pipe sizes through adjustment mechanisms, making the system universal rather than requiring separate rigid structures for each diameter.
4Ease of operation
If friction between the belt and pipe is increased for better grip, then the rotation control improves, but friction-related issues and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller belt is segmented into multiple discrete roller elements rather than a continuous belt. This segmentation allows each roller to rotate independently, reducing overall friction and energy loss while maintaining sufficient grip for rotation control. The distributed roller elements provide cumulative friction force without the excessive energy dissipation of a high-friction continuous belt.
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 provides a user-friendly and efficient means to rotate pipes of varying diameters, minimizing structural complexity and ensuring smooth operation by using a lightweight, flexible roller belt that maintains optimal contact and reduces friction-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a roller belt configured to tighten the pipe against the at least two rollers wherein the roller belt comprises a plurality of roller elements enabling rotation of the pipe when tightened against the rollers of the frame by the roller belt
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe rotating arrangement, comprising a frame having at least two rollers configured to receive a pipe to be rotated wherein a distance between the at least two rollers is adjustable and a roller belt configured to tighten the pipe against the at least two rollers wherein the roller belt comprises a plurality of roller elements enabling rotation of the pipe when tightened against the rollers of the frame by the roller belt, wherein a distance between the roller elements on the roller belt vary such that the distance is smaller in vicinity of a first end of the roller belt.