Swage Machine Hinge Plate Structure for Higher Load Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing swage machines in pipeline systems have limited load capacity due to weak hinges, which restrict the size of pipe fittings they can securely swage, primarily because of air gaps in the hinge mechanism, limiting their effectiveness in handling larger diameter fittings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a swage machine with enhanced hinge strength by using multiple fasteners to secure hinge plates directly to base and pivotable plate sections, reducing air gaps and allowing for direct force transfer, and potentially incorporating a second hinge plate for additional support, enabling the machine to handle larger diameter pipe fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used in swage machine plates, then the machine can be selectively closed around pipe fittings, but the load capacity is limited due to air gaps in the hinge mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional hinge mechanism with air gaps from the swage machine plate structure. Instead, it uses a direct connection between the grab plate and die plate through pins or other fastening mechanisms, eliminating the weak hinge component that limited load capacity while preserving the selective closing capability through direct mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the grab plate and die plate into a more integrated structure where the connection point is directly reinforced. By combining these plates with stronger fastening mechanisms and eliminating the intermediate hinge, the design achieves both the selective closing function and higher load capacity in a unified structure.
2Duration of action of moving object
If hinge mechanisms with air gaps are used, then plate sections can rotate relative to each other, but the force transfer is compromised reducing effectiveness for larger diameter fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hinge mechanism that created air gaps and compromised force transfer. The selective rotation capability is achieved instead through direct pin connections or other rigid fastening mechanisms that maintain continuous material contact, ensuring efficient force transfer throughout the swaging operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hinge designs are used, then the swage machine can handle smaller pipe fittings, but it cannot securely swage larger diameter fittings due to limited load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grab plate and die plate into a more integrated structure with reinforced connections. This unified design with direct fastening mechanisms increases the overall load capacity of the swage machine, enabling it to securely handle larger diameter pipe fittings while maintaining adaptability through adjustable positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs stronger materials and composite construction in the plate assemblies and connection mechanisms. By using high-strength materials and composite structures, the swage machine achieves the necessary load capacity to handle larger fittings while maintaining the versatility to work with various fitting sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting and a swage machine. The swage machine includes a grab plate having a grab tab that matingly interlocks with a grab notch on the pipe fitting to facilitate securing the swage machine to the pipe fitting and a die plate having a die seat that enables a set of die segments to be used to conformally deform the pipe fitting around the tubing of the pipe segment to be loaded in the swage machine. The die plate and the grab plate include a base plate section, a hinge plate secured to the base plate section via a hinge fastener such that the hinge plate directly abuts the base plate section, and a pivotable plate section secured to the hinge plate via a hinge fastener such that the hinge plate directly abuts the pivotable plate section.