Insulating Pipe Section Winding with Active Mandrel Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing insulating pipe sections lack precise control over the manufacturing process, resulting in inconsistent density distribution and fibre structure, which affects the quality and versatility of the final product.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a rotatable longitudinal mandrel and an endless belt, equipped with longitudinal jaws and a mandrel controlling element, allows for active control of the mandrel's transverse movement and belt tension to achieve homogeneous density distribution and fibre structure during the winding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the mandrel is allowed to move uncontrollably in a slot as the diameter of the wound pipe section increases, then the device structure is simple, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is designed with active transverse movement control that dynamically adjusts the mandrel position as the pipe section diameter increases. The mandrel can move transversely between a first position near the inner surfaces of the jaws and a second position further away in the roll-up basket, allowing the system to adapt to changing dimensions while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transverse position parameter of the mandrel during the winding process. By actively controlling the mandrel's transverse position as the pipe section grows, the system maintains optimal winding conditions throughout the manufacturing process, achieving homogeneous density distribution
2Manufacturing precision
If the mandrel transverse movement is actively controlled during manufacturing, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel serving element performs multiple functions: it supports the mandrel, enables active transverse movement control, and maintains the mandrel in optimal position throughout the winding process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel serving element acts as an intermediary between the fixed jaws and the movable mandrel, providing the necessary transverse movement capability while maintaining controlled and precise positioning throughout the winding process
3Shape
If the mandrel is positioned close to the inner surfaces of the jaws at the beginning, then the pipe section is given a substantially circular cross-section, but the device flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the mandrel transverse position during the winding process. Starting close to the inner surfaces of the jaws creates a circular cross-section, then moving the mandrel transversely away from the jaws as winding progresses enables controlled density variation through the thickness of the pipe section
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention regards an apparatus for manufacturing an insulating pipe section, wherein the apparatus comprises a rotatable longitudinal mandrel configured for receiving and winding uncured mineral wool around the mandrel to manufacture an insulating pipe section, a belt, preferably an endless belt, at least two longitudinal jaws engaging the belt, wherein the jaws are configured for surrounding the mandrel with the belt, a mandrel controlling element configured for actively controlling a transverse movement of the mandrel.