Pipelayer Pivotable Fairlead with Cable Tension Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipelayer machines face challenges in stabilizing loads while operating in poor underfoot conditions and steep terrain, requiring skilled operators to manage the sideboom and counterweight, which is hindered by the lack of advanced technological solutions for precise control and stability monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable fairlead system with instrumentation circuitry and sensors that monitor the orientation and load of the hoisting cable, providing real-time feedback to the operator and automatically alerting for overload conditions, integrated with a winch assembly and sideboom to enhance stability and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a counterweight is added to enhance machine stability, then the machine's stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterweight positioned opposite the sideboom to compensate for the suspended load and maintain machine stability. The counterweight's position and mass are adjusted to balance the moments created by the load, preventing machine tipping during pipeline placement operations.
2Measurement precision
If instrumentation circuitry is integrated onto the fairlead, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the instrumentation circuitry directly onto the fairlead structure, integrating sensors and electronics into the existing component. This consolidation provides precise fairlead orientation measurements while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the fairlead's existing mounting provisions and structural elements.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring systems are implemented, then operational safety improves, but loss of time in signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through instrumentation circuitry that continuously monitors fairlead orientation and load conditions. The system processes sensor signals and provides immediate feedback to the control system, enabling dynamic adjustments to maintain safe operating conditions without significant time delays.
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 improves load stability and operator safety by providing precise control and real-time monitoring, reducing the risk of tipping and optimizing the placement of pipeline sections, even in challenging environments, without disrupting existing pipelayer operations.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot joint pivotably coupling the fairlead boom to the fairlead base
Data Source
AI summary
A machine includes a frame, ground-engaging elements coupled to the frame, and a hoisting system having a sideboom and a fairlead. The hoisting system also includes a hook pulley block and a hoisting cable extending through the fairlead and the hook pulley block and held in tension such that the hoisting cable couples pivoting of the fairlead to pivoting of the sideboom. The pivotable fairlead may be instrumented with position, cable loading, and cable feed sensors.