Internal Tube Alignment Clamp With Radial Motor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal line-up clamps (ILUC) for aligning and clamping contiguous tubes are excessively long due to actuator mechanisms, making them difficult to maneuver and position, especially when laying vertical pipes, and lack compactness and versatility for use in protective atmospheres and modular adaptations.
Innovation Solution
A compact ILUC device actuated by electric motors and gears with a wedge release mechanism, featuring an emergency braking system and modular design to accommodate various requirements, including cable passage and additional modules, and ensuring safety through dead-man-control emergency braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional conical actuators or actuators with sloped surfaces are used to actuate radial expanders, then reliable clamping and unclamping function is achieved, but the axial dimensions of the device become excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial actuation (conical actuators moving along the axis) to radial actuation (motors arranged radially around the central axis). This dimensional change allows the actuation mechanism to be compact in the axial direction while maintaining reliable expanders control, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and axial length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic actuation system where motors can independently control each expander's radial position, allowing precise and reliable clamping/unclamping functions. The dynamic control capability maintains reliability while the compact radial arrangement reduces axial dimensions compared to traditional mechanical actuation systems.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made compact to improve maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide sufficient actuation force may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (conical actuators, wedges, screws) with electric motors that directly drive the expanders radially. This substitution provides high actuation force in a compact configuration, as motors can generate significant torque and force without requiring long axial dimensions, thus maintaining both maneuverability and sufficient actuation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arrangement of motors around the central axis creates a spheroidal symmetry that optimizes force distribution. This geometric arrangement allows compact dimensions while maintaining balanced actuation force on all expanders, improving maneuverability without compromising the force needed for reliable clamping.
3Device complexity
If the device structure is simplified to reduce dimensions, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide emergency braking and modular adaptations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal platform with radial motors that can perform multiple functions: normal operation, emergency braking (by reversing motor rotation), and supporting various modular attachments. This multi-functional design reduces overall structural complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function, while maintaining high adaptability for different applications and emergency scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic control system with independently controllable motors provides versatility through software control rather than complex mechanical structures. The same motor system can switch between normal operation and emergency braking modes, and can be programmed to accommodate different modular configurations, reducing structural complexity while enhancing adaptability.
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 solution significantly reduces longitudinal dimensions, enhances maneuverability, and allows for safe operation in protective atmospheres with modular adaptability, including emergency braking to prevent uncontrollable device fall, while enabling efficient alignment and welding of tubes.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism for release of the expanders by means of a wedge system
Implementation Method 2
The device is actuated by a system of electric motors and gears
Implementation Method 3
emergency braking system and modular design to accommodate various requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a device for aligning contiguous tubes for laying tubular pipes, comprising at least two contiguous rings of radial expanders (9) and respective actuators for expanding and, vice versa, contracting the radial expanders (9) in order to make them integral with one another from the inside and respectively free two contiguous tubes of the pipe in the process of joining said tubes. The actuators comprise, for each radial expander (9), a screw and female screw device, the screw or female screw of which is translatably integral with a shoe while the corresponding female screw or screw is actuated by a transmission by means of at least one electric motor.