Breakout Wrench Open Side Visibility Drill String Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breakout wrenches in industrial drills are often fully enclosed, making it difficult for operators to access and view the clamps and wearable parts, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential errors during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A breakout system with a first and second wrench, each having an open side for visibility and accessibility, coupled to the mast of the drill, allowing for improved visibility and access to the clamps from the operator cab, with the second wrench capable of rotating relative to the first wrench to facilitate better viewing angles and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the breakout wrench is fully enclosed, then the structural integrity and protection of the wrench components are improved, but the accessibility and visibility of the clamps and wearable parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The breakout wrench is divided into separate functional components: a fixed wrench body and a movable side wall that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the wrench body to maintain structural integrity while the side wall can be moved aside to provide access to clamps and wearable parts, resolving the contradiction between enclosure and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall of the breakout wrench is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between an enclosed state (for protection) and an open state (for accessibility). This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt between providing structural integrity and providing access to components as needed.
2Reliability
If the breakout wrench is fully enclosed, then the protection of internal components is improved, but the visibility of clamps from the operator cab deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed structure is segmented with a removable or movable side wall portion that can be separated from the main wrench body. This allows the operator to view clamps and internal components through the gap created by the separated side wall, maintaining protection when the side wall is in place while enabling visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall acts as an intermediary element that can be positioned to either block or allow the line of sight to clamps and internal components. When moved or removed, it serves as a temporary barrier that enables viewing, while when in its normal position, it provides protection without permanently obstructing visibility.
3Productivity
If the breakout wrench is located on the drill, then the functionality is improved, but the view of the breakout wrench from the operator cab deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is designed with movable or removable characteristics that allow it to be positioned out of the way during operation, creating an open viewing path from the operator cab to the clamps and internal components. This dynamic positioning maintains the wrench's functional integration while improving visibility for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall can be moved or removed to change the spatial configuration of the wrench assembly, creating an opening in a dimension that allows line-of-sight viewing from the operator cab. This dimensional change enables simultaneous functionality and viewability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the breakout wrench is fully enclosed, then the structural completeness is improved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed wrench structure is segmented into a main body and a separate side wall that can be independently removed or moved. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service clamps and wearable parts by simply removing the side wall, maintaining structural completeness when the side wall is attached while enabling easy maintenance when removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall is designed as a dynamic component that can be easily moved or removed to provide access to internal components for maintenance. This dynamic design allows the structure to be complete during operation but accessible during maintenance, resolving the contradiction between structural completeness and ease of repair.
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
Enhances operator visibility and accessibility to the clamps, reducing the risk of operational errors and improving maintenance efficiency by allowing clear viewing and easy access to the clamps without requiring the removal of sides or actuators, thus improving drilling performance and reducing cycle times.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp actuator for driving the first clamp and the second clamp to engage at least a portion of the drill string
Implementation Method 2
a wrench actuator for applying a torque to rotate the second wrench relative to the first wrench
Data Source
AI summary
A breakout system for a drill includes a first wrench, a second wrench, and an actuator for applying a torque to rotate the second wrench relative to the first wrench. The first wrench includes a first clamp member for engaging a portion of a drill string. The first wrench further includes an open side and is supported on a mast of the drill in an orientation to permit viewing the first clamp member from an operator cab of the drill. The second wrench is supported for movement relative to the first wrench. The second wrench includes a second clamp member for engaging another portion of the drill string, includes an open side, and is supported on the mast in an orientation to permit viewing the second clamp member from the operator cab. The first and second clamp members may be configured to pivot outward relative to at least one wrench.