Split-Sheave Lance Tractor for Coupling-Pass Hose Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe cleaning systems face limitations such as the inability to maintain a positive hold on flexible lance hoses at multiple points, accommodate larger couplings, handle various hose diameters, and allow for flexible feeding directions, particularly in automated systems like the '453 patent.
Innovation Solution
The tractor drive device features adjustable split-sheave roller assemblies powered by a single motor, with each set configured in a fixed vertical arrangement and adjustable preload mechanisms to secure the lance at two points, allowing for interchangeable use with existing systems and enabling lateral or longitudinal feeding, even with larger couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driven roller and follower roller system is used to clamp the flexible lance hose, then the apparatus remains simple and lightweight, but a positive hold on the flexible lance cannot be maintained when larger couplings are fed through the rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The roller system is divided into multiple independent roller pairs (first driven roller pair, second driven roller pair, first follower roller pair, second follower roller pair) arranged at different positions along the hose. Each roller pair can independently clamp or release the hose, allowing the system to maintain positive hold on the lance while accommodating larger couplings by selectively engaging different roller pairs.
2Productivity
If the flexible lance hose is clamped between driven roller and follower roller, then the hose can be propelled, but tools cannot be assembled and attached to the flexible lance hose until it is first clamped between the rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The roller pairs are designed to be dynamically adjustable between clamped and released states. The follower rollers can be positioned to clamp the hose at different locations, allowing tools to be assembled on sections of the hose that are not currently clamped, while still maintaining propulsion capability through the clamped sections.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inlet and outlet fittings of the tractor device are configured in a specific direction, then the drive mechanism can function, but the direction for feeding the flexible lance hose into the drive mechanism is limited to a single direction
Solution Approach 1:
The roller pairs are arranged and configured to accept the flexible lance hose from multiple directions. The driven rollers and follower rollers can engage the hose regardless of its approach angle, allowing the tractor device to function as a universal feeding mechanism that accommodates various piping system configurations and feeding directions.
4Reliability
If the rollers are sized for a specifically sized hose, then they can maintain a positive hold on that hose size, but they are limited to handling only that specific hose diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The roller pairs are designed with adjustable parameters including roller diameter, roller spacing, and clamp force. These parameters can be modified to accommodate different hose diameters while maintaining a positive hold. The system can be configured for small-diameter hoses with tighter roller spacing and lower clamp forces, and for large-diameter hoses with wider spacing and higher forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact flexible lance propelling drive device is disclosed that is mountable on a pipe end or may be configured on its own integral tubular frame. The device includes a motor driven gearworks contained in a main gearbox and two sets of roller assemblies configured in a side-by-side arrangement and connected to and selectively driven by the gearworks. Each roller assembly set comprises an upper and a lower roller assembly configured in a fixed vertical arrangement, wherein each roller assembly comprises an adjustable split-sheave configuration that includes a first roller half having a first contact face and a second roller half having an opposing second contact face and a means for independently closing a gap between the first and second roller halves so that the opposing contact faces of said first and second roller halves engage the surface of said flexible lance, clamping the flexible lance between the upper and lower roller assembly.