Tensioner Pad Assembly With Interlocking Gripping Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tensioner systems require frequent and cumbersome pad replacements to accommodate different pipe diameters, leading to significant downtime and storage challenges due to the need for multiple pad types, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A tensioner pad assembly with adjustable gripping members and interlocking structures that allow for multiple discrete gripping positions, enabling adaptation to various pipe diameters without the need for extensive loosening or replacing pads, and utilizing interlocking structures to transfer squeeze force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pads are replaced to accommodate different pipe diameters, then the tensioner can handle various product sizes, but downtime increases and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pad assembly incorporates adjustable gripping members that can be repositioned along the carrier member to accommodate different pipe diameters. This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need to replace entire pads, allowing operators to simply reposition the gripping members within discrete positions defined by the interlocking structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad assembly is divided into separable components: a carrier member with interlocking structures and adjustable gripping members. This segmentation allows the gripping members to be independently adjusted without replacing the entire pad assembly, reducing downtime and storage needs while maintaining adaptability to different diameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pad types are stored to accommodate different pipe diameters, then all product sizes can be handled, but storage complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pad assembly is designed as a universal system where a single carrier member with interlocking structures can accommodate multiple gripping member positions. This multi-functional design allows one pad assembly to replace multiple specialized pads, eliminating the need to store various pad types for different diameters while maintaining the ability to handle all product sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pads are frequently replaced to adapt to different diameters, then the tensioner remains versatile, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable gripping members can be quickly repositioned along the carrier member to match different pipe diameters without requiring full pad replacement. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly reduces the time and effort needed for adaptation, thereby maintaining versatility while improving operational efficiency and productivity.
4Quantity of substance
If the pad assembly structure is simplified to reduce storage needs, then storage requirements decrease, but adaptability to different diameters may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pad assembly is segmented into a reusable carrier member with interlocking structures and adjustable gripping members. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adaptability through repositioning capabilities while eliminating the need to store multiple pad types, as the same carrier member can accommodate different gripping member positions for various diameters.
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 pad assembly reduces downtime and storage needs by allowing the tensioner to handle a range of pipe diameters with minimal adjustments, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for multiple pad types and simplifying the handling of different pipe sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the interlocking structures are adapted to transfer a squeeze force, for frictionally clamping the outer circumference of the elongated product with the gripping members, from the carrier member to the gripping members
Data Source
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Figure 9
AI summary
The invention relates to a tensioner pad assembly (1), adapted to be mounted on an endless track (3) of a tensioner to frictionally clamp an elongated product supported and moved by the tensioner, the pad assembly (1) comprising a carrier member (4) and a pair of gripping members (5), which gripping members (5) can with their carrier member mating surfaces (12) be mounted in multiple discrete gripping positions on gripping member mating surfaces (9) of the carrier member (4). The mating surfaces form interlocking structures (13) adapted to transfer a squeeze force from the carrier member (4) to the gripping members (5). The interlocking structures (13) provided on the carrier member (4) define the multiple discrete gripping positions. Furthermore, the gripping member mating surfaces (9) extend at an angle relative to each other, such that the multiple discrete gripping positions differ in their distance to the base portion (6) as well as in their distance to the imaginary plane (8) of the carrier member (4).