Rotational Coupling Member for Pipe Machining Tool Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe machining apparatuses are cumbersome to use due to the difficulty in securing tool supports with threaded fasteners, and coupling members are limited in their usability across various environments and applications.
Innovation Solution
A pipe machining apparatus with a frame, tool carrier, and coupling members that include a shaft and engagement member, allowing for easy coupling and uncoupling through rotational movement, utilizing a biasing member and plunger to manage friction forces for efficient tool support adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used to secure tool supports, then the tool supports can be held in place, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is divided into separate components: a shaft portion that engages the tool carrier and an engagement member that couples to the tool support. This segmentation allows the coupling mechanism to be simplified from multiple fasteners to a single rotational coupling action, significantly reducing the time required to secure tool supports while maintaining reliability through the interlocking geometry of the segmented parts
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded fasteners that require rotational tightening motion to create clamping force, the invention inverts the approach by using a rotational coupling mechanism where the shaft and engagement member rotate relative to each other to directly establish the coupled state. The plunger and biasing member system inverts the traditional fastening approach by using spring force to maintain engagement rather than requiring continuous tightening torque
2Reliability
If multiple threaded fasteners are used, then the tool support can be securely held, but the operator must use one hand to hold the support while the other tightens fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling into a shaft portion and engagement member with distinct functional zones, the design allows single-handed operation where the operator can manipulate the rotational coupling mechanism with one hand while the other hand holds the tool support steady, eliminating the need for two-handed fastener tightening
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger and biasing member system provides self-service functionality where the spring automatically maintains engagement force between the shaft and engagement member. Once the rotational coupling is initiated, the self-service mechanism sustains the secure connection without requiring continuous operator intervention or multiple fasteners
3Reliability
If traditional coupling members are used, then coupling can be achieved, but they are limited to specific applications and environments
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member design with its modular shaft and engagement member components, along with the plunger-biasing member system, creates a universal coupling mechanism that can be adapted to various tool supports and tool carriers in different machining environments. The standardized interface allows the same coupling member type to be used across multiple applications, enhancing versatility while maintaining reliable coupling functionality
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 solution simplifies the process of securing tool supports and enhances the usability of coupling members across different environments and applications by providing a secure and adjustable mechanism for machining large diameter pipes.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member at least partially positioned within the cavity between the plunger and the engagement member
Data Source
AI summary
Coupling members and pipe machining apparatuses including coupling members are provided. In one aspect, a coupling member includes a shaft and an engagement member defining a cavity there through and including a projection. The shaft is at least partially positioned within the cavity and extends through the cavity, and the shaft is adapted to rotate relative to the engagement member. The coupling member also includes a plunger at least partially positioned within the cavity and movable relative to the engagement member, and further includes a biasing member at least partially positioned within the cavity between the plunger and the engagement member.