Tube Support Arm With Switchable Roller and Profiled Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for tube cutting machines, particularly laser tube cutting machines, face challenges in effectively supporting tubes of varying sizes and flexibility, with known solutions either being expensive or unsuitable for heavy and large tubes with rough surfaces, and lacking adaptability to different tube types.

Innovation Solution

A support device with a pivoting arm and a variable-profile support member that can switch between using a cylindrical roller and a variable-profile support member, allowing for adjustable support based on tube characteristics, using driving systems to control the positions of the pivoting arm and support member for optimal alignment and contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a variable-profile support member is used to adapt to different tube sizes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to special machining requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different tube sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into multiple support members (first support member with cylindrical roller, second support member with variable-profile cavity) that can be independently selected and positioned. This segmentation allows the system to use simple cylindrical rollers for standard tubes while switching to variable-profile support members only when needed, avoiding the need to manufacture all support members with complex variable profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support device incorporates multiple types of support members that can serve different functions: the cylindrical roller provides universal support for various tube types with simple geometry, while the variable-profile support member provides specialized support for tubes requiring precise dimensional adaptation. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle diverse tube types without requiring all components to be expensive variable-profile pieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a variable-profile support member is used to retain light and flexible tubes, then support effectiveness is improved, but wear increases due to friction on the cavity surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport effectiveness for flexible tubesVSAvoidservice life of support member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple support members positioned at different locations along the tube. The variable-profile support member is used selectively for specific tube types requiring its capabilities, while cylindrical rollers are used for other cases. This reduces the cumulative wear on variable-profile cavities by limiting their usage to only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical roller acts as an intermediary support element that can handle many tube types without the wear issues of variable-profile cavities. For tubes that require variable-profile support, the system transitions to using the second support member, but the presence of cylindrical rollers elsewhere in the support system reduces overall friction and wear on the variable-profile cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple support devices are used to support flexible tubes, then alignment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment of tubeVSAvoidnumber of support devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple support members (first and second support members with different support types) are merged into a single integrated support device. This allows the device to provide both cylindrical roller support and variable-profile cavity support within one unit, achieving the alignment benefits of multiple devices without the complexity of having separate devices for each support type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device incorporates movable and rotatable components that allow dynamic adjustment of support characteristics. The pivoting arm can rotate about a first axis to adjust the position of support members, and the second support member can rotate about a second axis to change the cavity profile orientation. This dynamic capability allows a single device to adapt to different tube types and positions, reducing the need for multiple fixed support devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11224945B2Support device for supporting a tube on a tube working machine and tube working machine comprising such a support device

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 ADIGE SPA

AI summary

The support device comprises: a pivoting arm arranged to be rotatably supported at a first end thereof by a base of the machine for rotation about a first axis of rotation oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tube; a cylindrical roller mounted at a second end of the pivoting arm opposite to the first end with its axis oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation; a variable-profile support member rotatably mounted at the second end of the pivoting arm for rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation; a first driving system arranged to control the angular position of the pivoting arm about the first axis of rotation; and a second driving system arranged to control the angular position of the support member about the second axis of rotation.