Mechanical Shuttle Pipe Gripper Cam Follower Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe handling systems in horizontal directional drilling machines rely on hydraulics for transferring pipe sections, which can be inefficient and prone to mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling assembly utilizing a mechanical cam-follower arrangement and a shuttle arm system with a gripper mechanism, supported by a rack and pinion drive, to securely and efficiently transfer pipe sections between the pipe box and the carriage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic systems are used for pipe transfer, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a purely mechanical cam-follower system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear motion to actuate the gripper, eliminating hydraulic components that are prone to leakage and mechanical failures. This substitution maintains the required adaptability through mechanical design while significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic subsystem from the pipe transfer mechanism, isolating the problematic component that caused reliability issues. By taking out the hydraulic system and replacing it with a mechanical alternative, the patent eliminates the source of mechanical failures while preserving the functional requirements.
2Reliability
If mechanical cam-follower arrangement is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cam mechanism with the existing shuttle arm structure, integrating the actuation system into the main body rather than adding separate components. The cam-follower arrangement is incorporated directly into the gripper mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of the mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it converts rotational motion to linear motion, actuates the gripper opening and closing, and provides mechanical advantage for gripping force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of operation
If gripper conformability to pipe is improved, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is designed with dynamic conformability, allowing it to adapt its shape to different pipe diameters through mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The gripper segments can move relative to each other to match the curvature of various pipe sizes, providing ease of operation across different pipe types without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for each specific size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs adjustable parameters in the gripper design, such as variable grip force and adjustable segment positioning, to accommodate different pipe dimensions. By changing these parameters rather than manufacturing different grippers for each pipe size, the system achieves ease of operation while maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision standards.
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 mechanical cam-follower arrangement and shuttle arm system provide reliable and efficient transfer of pipe sections, reducing the risk of mechanical failures and improving operational efficiency in horizontal directional drilling.
Implementation Method 1
The cam-follower arrangement is capable of causing rotation of the gripper in response to linear motion of the shuttle body
Implementation Method 2
The drive system is configured to power movement of the shuttle body
Implementation Method 3
a pad, and a compression spring positioned between the pad and the shuttle arm
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe shuttle for moving a pipe segment from an operating position to a pipe box. The pipe shuttle has a pair of gripper arms flanking a cradle. The cradle has a spring-loaded pad that has a concave surface for holding a pipe segment. As the pipe shuttle moves from underneath a pipe box to near a cradle, rollers are positioned to engage a guide plate. When the shuttle is underneath the pipe box, the rollers engage the guide plate to keep the cradle open. When moved towards an operating position, the rollers no longer engage the guide plate and cause grippers to close on the pipe segment. The spring-loaded pad allows the pipe shuttle to be moved relative to the pipe segment when the pipe segment is in its operating position.