Adjustable Torque Slider Tong Assembly for Manual Tubular Makeup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipe handling equipment for tubular connections is heavy, requires specialized equipment for reorientation, and is not suitable for manual operation, limiting its versatility and safety in various industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, portable, hand-operable dual pipe wrench assembly with a torque slider and adjustable components, including a backup arm and torque arm with interchangeable jaws and actuators, allowing for flexible setup and operation without the need for external lifting equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional hydraulic tong assemblies are used, then sufficient gripping force and torque are achieved, but the equipment becomes heavy and requires crane or forklift for lifting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping forceVSAvoidtong assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tong assembly is divided into separate modular components including the tong body, actuator, and pipe grip elements that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to maintain sufficient gripping force through proper component design while reducing overall weight by eliminating unnecessary structural elements required in conventional integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including variable mechanical advantage systems and reconfigurable linkages that allow the tong to adapt its force multiplication characteristics. This enables the system to achieve high gripping forces when needed while maintaining a lighter overall structure compared to conventional fixed-ratio hydraulic tongs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional fixed hydraulic tong assemblies are used, then reliable tubular connection handling is achieved, but the equipment cannot be manually reoriented or easily transported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection handling reliabilityVSAvoidmanual reorientation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tong assembly is divided into separate modular components including the tong body, actuator, and pipe grip elements that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable connection handling through proper component design while reducing overall weight by eliminating unnecessary structural elements required in conventional integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tong assembly incorporates self-contained features including an integrated actuator system with adjustable mechanical advantage and self-locking mechanisms that maintain reliable operation without requiring external support equipment. The system can be manually positioned and reoriented by operators without needing cranes or forklifts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If conventional oil rig tongs are used, then heavy duty pipe handling is achieved, but the system requires major equipment disassembly and specialized tools for reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe handling capacityVSAvoidreassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tong assembly is divided into separate modular components including the tong body, actuator, and pipe grip elements that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable connection handling through proper component design while reducing overall weight by eliminating unnecessary structural elements required in conventional integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables safe, efficient, and adaptable tubular connection makeup and breakout operations, with enhanced torque-to-weight ratio, modular flexibility, and integrated power options, suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

A torque slider adjustably connects the actuator to the backup arm to adjust the mechanical advantage between the backup arm and the torque arm providing additional setup flexibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12447587B2Torque slider tong assembly

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 BARYAM JACOB

AI summary

A torque slider tong assembly provides a safe, convenient, light weight, portable, hand-operable dual pipe wrench for use in makeup and breakout of tubular connections. The torque-slider tong assembly includes a backup arm forming a first pipe wrench gripping a first pipe, a torque arm forming a second pipe wrench gripping a second pipe, and an actuator providing motive force moving the torque arm relative to the backup arm transverse to the pipes, which rotates the pipes relative to each other. A torque slider adjustably connects the actuator to the backup arm to adjust the mechanical advantage between the backup arm and the torque arm providing additional setup flexibility. Similarly, a movable pivot point, such as a clevis, adjustably connects the actuator to the torque arm providing additional setup flexibility. Quick-change pins allow positional adjustment of multiple components.