Tubular Hardware Locator Using Pre-existing Reference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locating hardware on tubular structures in machines are cumbersome, costly, and incompatible with various hardware types and dimensions, making it difficult to access and position hardware accurately, especially at remote sites, which affects machine productivity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a linear element and an angular element, featuring reference indicia and a slider system, allows for precise location of hardware using pre-existing hardware as a reference, enabling quick and flexible setup on tubular structures with different profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional locating tools and set-ups are used, then hardware can be located on tubular structures, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The locating apparatus is divided into separate modular components: a locating tool with reference indicia, a separate slider assembly with engagement features, and reference hardware elements. This segmentation allows the components to be quickly assembled and disassembled, reducing setup time while maintaining precise locating capabilities through the integrated reference system.
Solution Approach 2:
Reference indicia and reference hardware are pre-positioned on the tubular structure at known locations before the actual hardware installation. This preliminary action establishes a reference framework that enables rapid and accurate locating of hardware without requiring time-consuming measurements during the installation process.
2Measurement precision
If conventional locating tools are used, then hardware location is achievable, but accessibility at remote locations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locating system is segmented into portable components that can be transported to remote locations and quickly assembled on-site. The modular design with separate locating tools, sliders, and reference elements enables easy deployment in field conditions without requiring bulky equipment or complex setup infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locating tools are used, then hardware can be located, but compatibility with different hardware types and dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locating tool is designed with universal engagement features including multiple slider configurations and reference indicia arrangements that can accommodate various hardware types and dimensions. The standardized reference system and adaptable slider mechanisms enable the same locating tool to work with different hardware configurations without requiring design revisions or additional specialized tools.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus (202, 602) for locating a hardware (116, 118) at a desired location (L1) on a tubular structure (104) of a machine (100) includes a linear element (204) including a plurality of linear reference indicia (210) thereon, a slider (212) coupled to the linear element (204), an angular element (220) including a plurality of angular reference indicia (222) thereon, a hardware locator (232, 632) coupled to the linear element (204) and adapted to engage with the hardware (116, 118) to locate the hardware (116, 118) at the desired location (L1) on the tubular structure (104), and a reference hardware locator (254) coupled to the angular element (220). The angular element (220) is coupled to the tubular structure (104) such that the reference hardware locator (254) engages with a pre-existing hardware (120) mounted on the tubular structure (104). The pre-existing hardware (120) is used as a reference to locate the hardware (116, 118) at the desired location (L1) on the tubular structure (104).