Robotic Gasket Installation for Precise Pipe Groove Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional manual installation of gaskets onto pipes is inefficient, inconsistent, and labor-intensive, often resulting in improper seating and misalignment, which affects the sealing capacity of pipe joints.
Innovation Solution
An automated robotic system with an end-of-arm tool (EOAT) equipped with gripping elements, rollers, and a shoehorn mechanism is used to align and install gaskets into pipe grooves, ensuring consistent and proper alignment, reducing human interaction and error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual installation process is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but installation consistency and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical installation process with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with specialized end-of-arm tooling automatically positions and installs gaskets onto pipe spigots, eliminating manual labor while achieving consistent high-precision alignment through programmable control and automated positioning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If manual installation is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated installation system is divided into distinct functional modules: a robotic arm for positioning, an end-of-arm tooling system with gripping elements and rollers for gasket handling, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving high productivity while managing overall system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-of-arm tooling system incorporates self-aligning features where rollers and gripping elements automatically adjust to guide the gasket into proper alignment with the pipe groove during installation, reducing the need for complex external alignment mechanisms and improving installation speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual installation is used, then adaptability to diameter variations is maintained through operator judgment, but installation consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the end-of-arm tooling can adapt its positioning and applying force based on detected pipe diameter variations. The system uses sensors to detect pipe dimensions and automatically adjusts the installation parameters to ensure consistent gasket seating across different pipe sizes, maintaining both precision and adaptability.
4Reliability
If automated robotic installation is implemented, then installation consistency and precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end-of-arm tooling system is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can handle different gasket types and adapt to various pipe diameters within a range. By consolidating multiple functions (gripping, aligning, positioning, and installing) into a single integrated tooling system, the patent achieves high reliability for sealing while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than multiple separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot end of arm tool (EOAT) and installation process for the proper orientation, mounting, and installation of gaskets such as, but not limited to, water-tight and soil-tight gaskets onto work pieces, such as molded pipes is provided. The gasket installation process may comprise multiple stations including a pipe loading station, pipe cutting and deburring station, gasket retrieval station, gasket stretching and alignment station, mounting station, film application station, and barcode placement substation. The pipe moves sequentially through each station to produce a pipe with one or more of gaskets, films, and/or barcodes placed thereon.