Segmented Orbital Carrier for Pipe Welding Obstruction Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orbital carriers for automated pipe welding are often obstructed by preinstalled components on pipelines, particularly at the top, making them unusable and leading to imprecise welding due to the need for manual adjustment or the use of disposable devices.
Innovation Solution
An orbital carrier designed with two or more circular segments that can connect and separate to allow passage over obstructions, enabling precise movement along the pipeline while maintaining the precision and efficiency of automated welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complete circular orbital carrier is used to surround the pipe, then welding precision is improved, but the device cannot pass obstructions on the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The orbital carrier is divided into two separate semi-circular segments that can be connected to form a complete circle for welding, but can also be separated to pass over obstructions on the pipeline. Each segment is equipped with its own welding carriage, allowing the system to maintain welding precision when connected and adaptability when separated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the orbital carrier is opened to pass obstructions, then adaptability is improved, but welding precision deteriorates due to lack of closure
Solution Approach 1:
The orbital carrier transitions between two dynamic states: a closed circular configuration that provides stability and precision for welding operations, and an open segmented configuration that provides adaptability to pass over obstructions. The system dynamically switches between these states based on operational requirements.
3Extent of automation
If a circular orbital carrier is used, then automated welding is enabled, but the device is blocked by preinstalled components on the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The circular orbital carrier is segmented into two separable semi-circular parts, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the automated welding system to maintain its circular configuration for precision welding while being able to separate the segments to navigate around preinstalled pipeline components such as valves and fittings.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an orbital carrier (2) for a device for butt-welding pipes (C, C) to form a pipeline, said device comprising at least one welding carriage (1) supporting at least one welding head (6) which has at least one welding torch, said orbital carrier (2) surrounding the pipes (C, C) to be welded and being designed to enable positioning and movement in the plane of the joint between the pipes (C, C) of said welding carriage or carriages (1), and said orbital carrier (2) also being movable translationally along the pipeline as it grows. The invention consists in the fact that said orbital carrier (2) consists of at least two components (20) in the form of segments of a circle able to be connected together to form the orbital carrier (2) around the pipes (C, C) during a welding phase and also to allow said orbital carrier (2) to be opened, at least at the top, to allow it to pass an obstruction on the outside of the pipe (C, C). Application: the welding of pipes (C, C).