Top-Loading Pipe Fusion Jaws for Large-Diameter Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fusion processes for large diameter pipes require heavy and expensive equipment for loading and unloading, necessitating multiple operators and complicating the handling steps.
Innovation Solution
A gantry-based pipe fusion machine with interchangeable jaws and actuators that can handle pipes of varying diameters, reducing the need for heavy equipment by using telescoping legs, actuators, and interchangeable complemental jaws to facilitate efficient pipe and pipeline handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heavy equipment is used for loading and unloading large diameter pipes, then the pipe fusion process can be performed, but the equipment becomes complex and expensive requiring additional operators
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion machine is designed with interchangeable jaw sets that can accommodate different pipe diameters, allowing a single machine to perform multiple fusion operations across various pipe sizes without requiring different specialized equipment for each diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The machine incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components including telescoping legs for height adjustment and replaceable jaw sets for different pipe diameters, enabling the equipment to adapt dynamically to various operational requirements without becoming obsolete
2Device complexity
If manual loading and unloading is used for pipe fusion, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The machine incorporates self-contained hydraulic systems and automated jaw actuation mechanisms that reduce the need for multiple operators to manually handle pipes, allowing the equipment to perform loading and unloading operations with minimal human intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized equipment is used for each pipe diameter, then precision is maintained, but the quantity of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion machine is designed with interchangeable jaw sets that can accommodate different pipe diameters, allowing a single machine to perform multiple fusion operations across various pipe sizes without requiring different specialized equipment for each diameter
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple jaw sets designed for different pipe diameters are combined into a single machine system through an interchangeable attachment mechanism, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate machines into one unified equipment platform
Data Source
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AI summary
A fusion machine (10) which can be top-loaded on very large polyolefin pipes and pipelines has jaws which consist of an upper half jaw (63/163) and lower left and right (65/165) complemental jaws which pivot on the half jaw. Left and right actuators (110) connected between the complemental jaws and the half jaw (61) operate in one direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to an opened condition in which the upper half jaw (61) can be lowered onto and lifted from the pipes to be fused and in the other direction to cause the complemental jaws to rotate to a closed condition in which the pipes to be fused are gripped so substantially around their circumferences as to resist their deformation from round during manipulation by the machine (10). The top-loading machine minimizes the need for heavy equipment to load and unload pipe to and from the fusion machine (10).