Pipe Urging Gear Mechanism for Secure Fitting Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe handling apparatuses face challenges in achieving a secure and reliable connection between pipes and fittings due to issues like insufficient grip, awkward access, and limited maneuvering space, which also complicates subsequent disconnection.
Innovation Solution
The proposed pipe handling apparatus features a frame, support element, and a pipe drive mechanism with rotatable first and second pipe urging elements, utilizing toothed gear portions for guided rotation and a unique profile to enhance grip and facilitate both insertion and disconnection of pipes from fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single toothed gear mechanism is used for pipe urging elements, then the structure is simple, but wear on gear components is high and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single gear mechanism is divided into two separate gear mechanisms (first toothed gear mechanism and second toothed gear mechanism). Each mechanism independently drives one pipe urging element, which reduces the wear load on each individual gear component and improves overall system reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A gear mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the actuator and the pipe urging elements. This gear mechanism provides controlled rotational movement to the pipe urging elements, enabling reliable and wear-resistant operation during pipe insertion and extraction processes
2Device complexity
If pipe urging elements rotate freely without guidance, then the structure is simple, but grip stability is poor and pipe control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe urging elements are pre-configured with guiding structures (such as grooves or rails) that define their rotational paths before operation begins. This preliminary guidance ensures stable grip on the pipe and prevents uncontrolled rotation during the insertion and extraction processes
Solution Approach 2:
A guidance structure acts as an intermediary between the pipe urging elements and the frame. This structure constrains the rotation of the pipe urging elements to a controlled path, improving grip stability and pipe control while adding minimal structural complexity
3Reliability
If pipe handling apparatus applies strong gripping force, then connection reliability is improved, but grip on pipe can be insufficient or pipe damage can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surfaces of the pipe urging elements are designed with specific local properties (such as textured surfaces, rubber coatings, or shaped profiles) that increase friction and improve grip on the pipe without requiring excessive gripping force. This local quality enhancement prevents pipe damage while ensuring reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe urging elements are designed to dynamically adjust their gripping force during operation. The elements can rotate and apply force in a controlled manner, adapting to the pipe characteristics and maintaining optimal grip without causing damage or losing connection reliability
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
This design ensures a secure grip and efficient operation, minimizing wear on the gear components and allowing for effective connection and disconnection of pipes from fittings, while maintaining the pipe within the apparatus during movement.
Implementation Method 1
the first pipe urging element engagement arrangement comprising a first toothed gear portion of the first pipe urging element and a second toothed gear portion of the second pipe urging element, the first pipe urging element and the second pipe urging element arranged such that the first toothed gear portion and the second toothed gear portion mesh together
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Pipe handling apparatus (1801) comprising a frame (1802), a support element (1803), and a pipe drive mechanism (1804). The pipe drive mechanism (1804) comprises first and second pipe urging elements (1805, 1806) each rotatable relative to the frame (1802). The pipe handling apparatus (1801) is configured to receive a pipe such that a received pipe is supported by the support element (1803) and is gripped between the first and second pipe urging elements (1805, 1806). The pipe drive mechanism (1804) is configured, in response to operation thereof, to urge a received pipe in a drive direction. The pipe drive mechanism (1804) further comprises first and second pipe urging element engagement arrangements each operative between the first and second pipe urging elements (1805, 1806) and configured to guide rotation of the first and second pipe urging elements (1805, 1806) during operation of the pipe drive mechanism (1804).