Cylindrical Part Handling Apparatus with Telescopic Arm
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for moving cylindrical parts, such as pipes, face challenges including low productivity, limited height capability, wide footprint, and inefficiency in handling large and heavy pipes, especially on rig floors of 5-15 meters high, and are not suitable for pipes from low racks or those with big dimensions and weights.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a support body with movable claw mechanisms on legs, a pivoting lower arm driven by an actuator, and a cradle with a second drive chain system, allowing for efficient lifting and positioning of cylindrical parts up to 15 meters high, accommodating pipes of up to 30 inches in diameter and 6 tons in weight, with a compact footprint and ability to handle multiple rows from low racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length upper arm is used in the apparatus, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus cannot adapt to different working area heights and requires excessive space for travel
Solution Approach 1:
The upper arm is made telescopic with multiple extendable sections that can be adjusted in length to accommodate different working area heights. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the apparatus to adapt to various heights (from 5m to 15m) while maintaining a compact configuration when retracted, reducing the space required for movement and operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is designed with a wide footprint to accommodate large pipes, then it can handle bigger cylindrical parts, but it requires excessive space between the apparatus and the pipe rack
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism is divided into multiple independent gripping elements arranged along the legs. These segmented grippers can be selectively activated to accommodate pipes of varying diameters (from small to 30 inches). The segmentation allows the apparatus to handle different pipe sizes without requiring a wide footprint, as only the necessary gripping elements are engaged for each specific pipe dimension.
3Productivity
If the apparatus uses a conventional lifting mechanism, then the structure is straightforward, but the operating time is too long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism operates continuously through coordinated action of multiple actuators along the legs, eliminating idle movement phases. The claws move continuously along the legs while the lower arm and upper arm extend simultaneously, maintaining useful action throughout the entire lifting cycle. This continuous operation significantly reduces the time required to lift pipes from the pipe rack to the working area, thereby increasing productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is designed for high rig floors (10-15m), then it can reach higher working areas, but it cannot efficiently handle lower racks (0.2m) and requires excessive travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The lower arm is designed with pivotal joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the approach angle to the pipe rack. This enables the apparatus to efficiently pick up pipes from both very low racks (0.2m) and high racks (up to 3m). The telescopic upper arm further compensates for height variations, allowing the apparatus to deliver pipes to any working area height (5-15m) without excessive travel, as the arm length can be adjusted to match the specific height requirement.
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
This solution significantly reduces operating time by 25%, allows for efficient handling of cylindrical parts across various heights, and enables easy transportation and assembly, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by enhancing productivity and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the lower arm is capable to pivot about the joint in respect to the support body
Implementation Method 2
a first drive chain arranged in an elongated loop extending along the entire length of the lower arm
Implementation Method 3
each leg being provided with a movable claw mechanism for transporting the cylindrical part along the leg from a region situated at the lower part of the leg up to the upper part of the leg
Implementation Method 4
A fluid actuated cylinder having a ball and socket mechanism mounted on a lift plate at one end of the cylinder is mounted underneath the apparatus at its center of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
Apparatus for moving cylindrical parts (T) comprising: a support body (S), at least two pairs of legs (L), each leg (L) being provided with a movable claw mechanism (M), a lower arm (LA) provided with a first drive chain (CH1), a second actuator (A2) capable to drive the first drive chain (CH1), a cradle (CR) and a second drive chain (CH2), wherein, upon driving the first drive chain (CH1) by the second actuator (A2), the second drive chain (CH2) is capable to move relative to both the first drive chain (CH1 ) and the lower arm (LA) between a first extreme position and a second extreme position, while at the same time the cradle (CR) is capable to move relative to the first and second drive chains (CH1, CH2) and relative to the lower arm (LA), between a first cradle extreme position and a second cradle extreme position.