Pipe Fitting Stand With Adjustable Support and Folding Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting stands lack versatility and ease of use, particularly in adjusting pipe orientation and folding mechanisms for storage and transport, limiting their utility in various operations like threading, cutting, and welding.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting stand with a table, adjustable legs via linkage mechanisms, and a pivoting stirrup, along with a vertically adjustable support and vise, allowing for customizable pipe orientation and easy reconfiguration between deployed and folded states for enhanced usability and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pipe fitting stands have fixed legs and non-adjustable supports, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability and ease of operation are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable legs with linkage mechanisms that allow the stand to dynamically reconfigure between deployed and folded states. The legs can be positioned at different angles and heights, enabling the stand to adapt to various pipe orientations and work scenarios, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, multi-functional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand incorporates multiple functional components including a vise for clamping pipes, an adjustable support for positioning, and foldable legs for storage. These multi-functional elements allow a single device to perform threading, cutting, welding, and storage operations, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and enhancing versatility.
2Ease of operation
If pipe fitting stands have fixed non-folding legs, then the structural stability is good, but the portability and ease of storage are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism connects multiple legs through pivoting joints, allowing coordinated folding and deployment. When folded, the legs compact into a space-efficient configuration for portability; when deployed, the linkage locks into a stable geometric structure that provides rigidity and structural reliability during work operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg structure is divided into multiple segments connected by joints, enabling independent movement and folding of each section. This segmentation allows the legs to be collapsed into a compact form for storage while maintaining the ability to extend and stabilize when needed, balancing portability with structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stand lacks adjustable supports and vise, then the device complexity is low, but the versatility for various work operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vise and adjustable support are integrated into the stand to create a multi-functional workstation. The vise provides clamping capability for secure pipe holding, while the adjustable support enables positioning at various heights and angles. Together, these components transform the stand into a universal platform capable of supporting threading, cutting, welding, and other pipe fitting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support incorporates movable elements that can be repositioned along the leg structure, allowing dynamic adaptation to different pipe sizes and operation requirements. This adjustability enables the stand to maintain versatility across various work scenarios while keeping the added complexity manageable through simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A pipe fitting stand for supporting a pipe during a work operation includes a table, and a plurality of legs coupled to the table and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The pipe fitting stand additionally includes a vise coupled to the table for supporting a first portion of the pipe, and a support positioned on a side of the table opposite the vise upon which a second portion of the pipe is supported. The support is adjustable relative to the table, thereby adjusting the orientation of the pipe relative to the table.