Pivotable Coil Drive Mechanism for Selective Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing dual drive wheel configuration for rotating coils is not reliable in torque transfer and complicates maintenance, as it requires expensive torque transmission solutions and obstructs access to motors during maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A drive device with a central tower that selectively engages with both rows of coils using a pivotable support and rotation motor, eliminating the need for a second drive wheel and simplifying maintenance by allowing direct access to motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a dual drive wheel configuration is used to rotate coils in two parallel rows, then both rows can be driven simultaneously, but torque transfer becomes unreliable and mechanical couplings become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to drive both rows of coilsVSAvoidtorque transfer reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the drive system into two independent drive units, each with its own drive wheel and motor. Each drive unit independently drives one row of coils, eliminating the need for torque transfer between rows. This segmentation resolves the reliability issue by removing the complex mechanical coupling while maintaining the ability to drive both rows simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the torque transmission mechanism from the system by giving each drive wheel its own independent motor. This eliminates the drive shaft and mechanical couplings that caused reliability problems, while still achieving the goal of driving both rows of coils through separate drive units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If a dual drive wheel configuration with mechanical couplings is used, then torque can be transferred between drive wheels, but manufacturing costs increase due to expensive machining requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the drive system into independent drive units for each row, the invention eliminates the need for complex mechanical couplings and drive shafts. Each drive wheel is independently mounted on its own support structure, significantly simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining the ability to transmit torque to both rows of coils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each drive unit is designed as a universal module that can independently drive one row of coils. This modular approach allows for standardized manufacturing of drive units, reducing overall manufacturing costs compared to custom-machined mechanical couplings required in the dual drive wheel configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If a second drive wheel is positioned to engage with the second row of coils, then both rows can be driven, but access to motors during maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to drive second row of coilsVSAvoidmotor accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the drive system so that each drive wheel and its motor are located on separate, independently movable supports. This spatial separation allows maintenance personnel to access either motor without removing the second drive wheel, as each drive unit can be independently positioned or accessed from its side of the coil rows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supports carrying the drive wheels are designed to be movable relative to the frame, allowing the drive units to be dynamically repositioned during maintenance. This dynamic positioning capability enables easy access to motors without requiring removal of other components, resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining the dual-row driving capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enhances the reliability of driving coils in both rows with a single drive wheel, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need for complex torque transmission and allowing easier access to motors.

Implementation Method 1

a first drive wheel (56) adapted to cooperate selectively with each coil (24, 30) to drive the coil (24, 30) in rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3774623B1Device for driving the rotation of coils and driving method
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 TECHNIPFMC SUBSEA FRANCE
  • EP3774623B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3774623B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3774623B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (22) which is placed between two coils and cooperates selectively with each coil in order to drive the rotation of the coil about an axis of rotation. The driving device (22) comprises: a central tower (40) comprising a frame (42); and a support (44) carried by the frame (42), comprising a driving wheel (56) which engages with a face of the coil, and at least one rotating motor (58) for driving the rotation of the driving wheel (56) and that of the coil such that they rotate together about the axis of rotation. The support (44) is mounted such that it pivots about a pivoting axis (B-B') between a first position for the engagement of the driving wheel (56) with a first coil and a second position for the engagement of the driving wheel (56) with a second coil.