Rectangular Pipe Notch Fitting for Precise Jig-Free Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing pipe assemblies with rectangular pipes struggle with precise positioning, often requiring dedicated jigs, leading to inefficiencies and unstable quality.

Innovation Solution

A machining path generation method and laser beam machining system that creates a first rectangular pipe with a notch and a second rectangular pipe fitting within, allowing for precise alignment and positioning without additional jigs, using three-dimensional shape data to generate machining paths for each pipe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional pipe assembly methods are used with dedicated jigs for positioning, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidjig complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe structure itself provides positioning functionality through the notch feature. The second pipe includes a positioning portion that fits into a notch formed on the first pipe, allowing the pipes to self-position without external jigs. This eliminates the need for separate positioning devices while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The first pipe is segmented into functional portions including a notch portion that receives the positioning portion of the second pipe. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be integrated into the pipe structure itself rather than requiring a separate jig, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If pipe assembly is performed without dedicated jigs, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy and assembly stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejig complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning portion of the second pipe is nested within the notch portion of the first pipe. This nested configuration provides precise positioning and stable assembly without requiring external jigs, as the positioning function is built into the pipe structures themselves through the notch-receiving relationship.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If rectangular pipes are joined without precise positioning features, then manufacturing process is simpler, but welding quality and assembly stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidwelding quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The notch is pre-formed on the first pipe during the pipe manufacturing process using laser beam machining, before the assembly stage. This preliminary action ensures precise positioning capability is built into the pipe structure itself, which then guarantees high welding quality during assembly without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If traditional pipe joining methods are used, then assembly process is straightforward, but material usage efficiency and fit precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmaterial usage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The notch and positioning portion configuration allows the pipes to self-align and self-position during assembly. The second pipe automatically fits into the notch of the first pipe, providing precise fit and efficient material usage without requiring complex assembly operations or additional positioning materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and stable production of pipe assemblies with suitably positioned rectangular pipes, improving welding quality and reducing material usage by ensuring precise fit and alignment.

Implementation Method 1

produce the first rectangular pipe from the first pipe material by irradiating the first pipe material with a laser beam, and produce the second rectangular pipe from the second pipe material by irradiating the second pipe material with the laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser beam heating: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4711631A1Pipe assembly, processing path generation method, program, and laser processing system

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 YAMAZAKI MAZAK KK

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A pipe assembly includes a first rectangular pipe that includes a first notch having a width dimension of a first value in a direction along a first direction and a length dimension of a second value in a direction along a second direction, and extends in the first direction, and a second rectangular pipe that includes a first portion received in the first notch and a second portion extending in the second direction from the first portion, and is disposed to cross the first rectangular pipe. A width dimension of the first portion in the direction along the first direction is smaller than a width dimension of the second portion in the direction along the first direction. A length dimension of the first portion in the direction along the second direction is substantially the same as the second value. The width dimension of the first portion in the direction along the first direction is substantially the same as the first value.