Portable Pipe Threader With Auto Lubrication and Diameter Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable pipe threaders often face challenges with manual lubrication requirements and lack of efficient diameter measurement and adjustment mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in pipe threading processes.
Innovation Solution
A portable pipe threader with a sensor system to determine the pipe's outer diameter, an electronic controller for precise diameter measurement, and a lift-assist mechanism for easy stand deployment, along with an integrated lubrication system and a drive assembly powered by a high-power battery pack and motor for efficient torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual lubrication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to operator intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system automatically applies lubricant to the die during threading operations without operator intervention. The system uses a pump to deliver lubricant through channels to the die, allowing the machine to service itself during operation, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining acceptable complexity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system is pre-configured with lubricant reservoirs and delivery channels positioned to automatically supply lubricant to the die before and during threading operations. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual lubrication intervention during the threading process.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual diameter measurement and adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and adjustment methods with an electronic sensor system. Sensors automatically detect pipe outer diameter and provide real-time feedback to the controller, which then adjusts threading parameters electronically, significantly improving precision while managing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously monitors pipe diameter and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts threading operations in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high precision threading by dynamically adapting to variations in pipe dimensions without requiring manual measurement and adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stand is made heavy for stability, then stability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lift-assist mechanism that provides counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the stand during deployment. This mechanism reduces the effort required by the operator to raise and position the stand, making heavy equipment easier to operate while maintaining the stability provided by the stand's weight when deployed.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable pipe threader includes a stand upon which a pipe is supported, a carriage supported by the stand upon which at least one pipe threading tool is supported, a drive assembly mounted to the stand including an electric motor operable to provide torque to the pipe, and a lift-assist mechanism coupled to the stand. The stand is foldable about a pivot axis between a collapsed state and a deployed state, and the lift-assist mechanism is configured to apply a moment to the stand about the pivot axis during adjustment from the collapsed state to the deployed state.