Rocker Arm Carrier Tensioning Device for Pipe String
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe laying and renewal systems face challenges with friction reduction, space constraints, and manual operation when connecting and tensioning pipe sections, particularly due to the use of flexible chains or ropes that elongate under high tension and require frequent release and re-tensioning, and the need for extensive traction means length equal to the pipe string.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing rocker arms with a rocker arm carrier and a sliding brake allows for easy connection and disconnection of pipe sections to a tension element, enabling force transmission and reducing the need for manual operation by using a ring-shaped rocker arm carrier that tilts to adapt to different pipe sections and a self-locking sliding brake for efficient tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flexible chains or ropes are used as traction means to transmit tensile forces, then the clamping device can accommodate high clamping forces, but the traction means experience significant lengthening which requires frequent release and re-tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flexible mechanical traction means (chains or ropes) with a rigid rod assembly consisting of multiple rod sections. This substitution eliminates the elastic deformation and lengthening problems inherent in flexible materials while maintaining the ability to transmit high tensile forces through the pipe string during pulling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid rod assembly is divided into multiple individual rod sections that can be connected and disconnected. This segmentation allows the rod assembly to be threaded through the pipe string in manageable segments and reconnected to form a continuous rigid traction element, solving both the strength transmission and operational ease contradictions.
2Ease of operation
If the tensioning device is arranged outside the pipe string, then it has sufficient space for operation, but it requires large amount of space inside the reversing shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device is designed to be nested within the pipe string structure itself. The rod assembly passes through the pipe sections, and the tensioning mechanism is integrated into the pipe string configuration, allowing the device to occupy minimal external space while maintaining full operational capability for tensioning and clamping operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the traction means has at least the total length of the pipe string, then it can accommodate the entire pipe string, but it requires extensive length particularly at the beginning of the pipe renewal process
Solution Approach 1:
The rod assembly is divided into multiple discrete rod sections that can be individually handled and connected. This segmentation allows the traction means to be built up incrementally as pipe sections are added to the string, rather than requiring a single extremely long element from the outset. Each rod section can be managed separately during the threading and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod sections are prepared and positioned in advance, allowing them to be quickly connected as pipe sections are added to the string. This preliminary preparation of the traction means components enables efficient adaptation to growing pipe string lengths without requiring the full extended length to be managed simultaneously during the assembly process.
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 reduces friction, minimizes space requirements, and allows for automatic operation of the tensioning device, enabling efficient and streamlined connection and extension of pipe sections without manual intervention, while maintaining low elongation and efficient force transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding brake (20) which can be switched between a freewheel position and a self-locking position in which it acts self-locking in one direction on the tension element (2)
Implementation Method 2
at least one rocker arm (102) which is connected to the rocker arm support (100) in such a way that the rocker arm (102) can tilt about a tipping point
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting a section of a pipe run to a pulling element which extends through the section of the pipe run, with a tipping lever support (100), at least one tipping lever (102), which is connected to the tipping lever support in such a way that the tipping lever can tip about a tipping point, and a supporting portion (105) of the tipping lever that is designed for being supported on the section of the pipe run can be moved from a retracted position into a set-up position, wherein the retracted position is provided closer to the centre axis of the device in relation to the set-up position and a connection for connecting the tipping lever support to the pulling element.