Adaptive Locking Dogs for Variable Surface Gripping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard elevator and rotary slip systems are inadequate for lifting objects with little to no shoulder and/or a variable exterior surface, as they require a defined shoulder and uniform surface for secure gripping and holding.

Innovation Solution

An improved elevator grip system and rotary slip system with locking dogs, featuring a cage spacer, dog cage, and locking dogs that can adapt to various surfaces, allowing secure engagement and lifting of objects with little to no shoulder and variable exterior surfaces, integrated into existing elevator and rotary slip technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard elevator assembly is used to lift objects, then objects with a defined shoulder can be lifted, but objects with little to no shoulder and/or variable exterior surface cannot be gripped securely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to grip objects with little to no shoulder and variable exterior surfaceVSAvoidsecure gripping of objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator grip system divides the gripping function into multiple independent locking dogs (typically 4-6) distributed around the elevator body. Each locking dog can independently engage with the object surface, providing multiple contact points that adapt to various object geometries including those with little to no shoulder and variable exterior surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking dogs are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and orientation to conform to the object's surface geometry. The dog cage structure enables the locking dogs to rotate and pivot, providing adaptive engagement with objects of varying shapes and surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a standard rotary slip assembly is used to hold objects, then objects with a uniform exterior surface can be held, but objects with a variable exterior surface cannot be held securely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to hold objects with variable exterior surfaceVSAvoidsecure holding of objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary slip system uses multiple segmented locking dogs distributed around the slip body, each capable of independent engagement with the object surface. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to variable exterior surfaces by distributing contact points across different locations on the object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking dogs are designed with universal applicability to handle various object types and surface geometries. The same locking dog mechanism can engage with both uniform and variable exterior surfaces, making the rotary slip system multi-functional and adaptable to different holding requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If locking dogs are added to the elevator and rotary slip systems to improve adaptability, then the ability to grip variable surfaces improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to grip objects with little to no shoulder and variable exterior surfaceVSAvoidstructure with cage spacer, dog cage, linking means, and locking dogs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking dogs are nested within a dog cage structure that is itself contained within the elevator or rotary slip body. The cage spacer provides a framework that holds the locking dogs in their respective positions, creating a nested arrangement that consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functions of multiple components (cage spacer, dog cage, linking means, and locking dogs) into a unified gripping mechanism. The cage spacer and dog cage work together to position and support the locking dogs, while the linking means connects the locking dogs to the actuation system, combining these elements into a cohesive assembly that achieves complex adaptability through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11624247B2Elevator grip lifting and rotary slip holding system and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 BLACK DIAMOND OILFIELD RENTALS LLC

AI summary

An elevator grip or rotary slip grip system, comprising a cage spacer adaptably mountable to an upper surface of an elevator or slip body, a dog cage having a plurality of openings, a plurality of locking dogs adaptably mountable to a plurality of seats in the elevator or slip body, wherein each of the plurality of locking dogs has a front surface to engage an object and wherein the front surface of each of the plurality of locking dogs is disposed through each of the plurality of openings in the dog cage is disclosed. A method of using the elevator grip or rotary slip grip system is also disclosed.