Portable Pipe Threader Lubrication With Gravity-Angled Stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable pipe threaders lack efficient and automated lubrication systems, relying on manual operation or onboard systems that are not optimized for debris management and lubricant distribution during pipe threading operations.
Innovation Solution
A portable pipe threader with an integrated lubrication system featuring a reservoir, pump, and debris shield, along with adjustable stand angles to facilitate automated lubricant distribution and debris management, ensuring efficient lubrication during pipe threading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual lubrication with hand-operated pump is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and operator labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system automatically performs lubrication without operator intervention. The pump is powered by the drive assembly motor and delivers lubricant to the die holder automatically during threading operations, eliminating the need for manual hand-operated pumping and enabling continuous automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system is integrated with the drive assembly by sharing the motor power source. The pump is powered by the same drive assembly motor that drives the threading operation, combining two functions (threading and lubrication) into one coordinated system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining productivity
2Productivity
If onboard lubrication system is used, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases and debris management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is designed as a separable, removable component that can be detached from the pipe threader. This modular segmentation allows the lubrication system to be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance, simplifying debris management while maintaining automated lubrication functionality during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is positioned outside the housing and the lubrication system can be completely removed from the pipe threader. This extraction of the lubrication components from the main housing simplifies the overall device structure and enables easy access for cleaning and debris removal without disassembling the entire machine
3Ease of operation
If stand is in deployed state, then ease of operation improves, but lubricant may drip onto work surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harmful effect of lubricant overflow into a beneficial containment feature. The catch basin, positioned below the reservoir and pump, captures any excess lubricant that overflows during operation, preventing it from dripping onto the work surface or floor while maintaining the deployed operational position
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 system provides efficient, automated lubrication and debris management, reducing friction and heat during pipe threading, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
lubrication system including a reservoir for holding a lubricant and a pump powered by the drive assembly. During threading operations, the thread-cutting dies, or other pipe threading tools, require lubrication to minimize friction and prevent excessive heat on the pipe and the tool
Implementation Method 2
thread-cutting dies, or other pipe threading tools, require lubrication to minimize friction and prevent excessive heat on the pipe and the tool
Implementation Method 3
In the collapsed state, a longitudinal axis of the housing is maintained at a first oblique angle relative to a horizontal reference plane parallel with a work surface upon which the stand is supported to funnel lubricant toward the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A portable pipe threader includes a housing, a carriage, and at least one pipe threading tool. A drive assembly of the is at least partially positioned within the housing and includes an electric motor operable to provide torque to the pipe. A lubrication system is removably coupled to the housing and includes a reservoir for holding a lubricant and a pump powered by the drive assembly. A stand of the portable pipe threader is adjustable between collapsed and deployed states. When collapsed, a longitudinal axis of the housing is maintained at a first oblique angle relative to a horizontal reference plane parallel with a work surface upon which the stand is supported to funnel lubricant toward the reservoir. When deployed, the longitudinal axis is maintained at a second oblique angle to funnel lubricant away from an end of the pipe on which a working operation is performed.