Rotary Pipe Support Tray With Manual Locking Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe processing machines lack the ability to manually set and fix the rotational position of the workpiece support tray, limiting flexibility in accommodating pipes with varying diameters and geometries.

Innovation Solution

The workpiece support system includes latching recesses on the support shelf and latching elements on the rocker, allowing for manual locking of the support tray in multiple rotational positions, with a prestressing element ensuring secure engagement and markings for operator guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable support tray with different support sections is used, then pipes with different diameters and geometries can be supported, but the rotational position cannot be manually set and fixed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capability for different pipe diametersVSAvoidmanual positioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support tray is divided into multiple discrete support sections (first, second, third support sections) with different geometries, each capable of supporting pipes with specific diameter ranges. This segmentation allows the operator to select and lock the tray at the appropriate position for the specific pipe being processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple latching recesses are pre-positioned at different rotational positions around the support tray's axis of rotation. These recesses are prepared in advance to receive latching elements, enabling the operator to quickly and accurately set the rotational position without complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple latching recesses are provided around the axis of rotation, then precise rotational locking is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational position precisionVSAvoidlatching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded latching elements that automatically engage with the latching recesses when the support tray is rotated to the correct position. The springs provide the necessary force for engagement without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latching elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components (bolts or pins with spring loading) that can be easily replaced if needed. This simplicity reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise locking capability across multiple rotational positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3670069B1Tube processing machine and workpiece support for supporting pipe material in a tube processing machine
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3670069B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3670069B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3670069B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Workpiece support for supporting pipe material in a pipe processing machine and pipe processing machine, comprising a rocker arm and a support tray rotatably arranged on the rocker arm about a pivot axis, which has a circumferential section with different support sections, wherein locking recesses are provided on the support tray and that at least one locking element is provided on the rocker arm such that the locking element can be inserted into a locking recess for rotating the support tray relative to the rocker arm.