Die Holder Conical Interface for Oilfield Clamp Arm Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industry standard die holder devices for oilfield operations face high material stress and fatigue at the interface between the die and clamp arm or slide block, leading to costly fabrication and replacement of these high-strength components.
Innovation Solution
A die holder device with conical surfaces that restrict axial movement and provide a no-clearance fit, allowing for reduced stress transfer by positioning the die holder's conical surfaces to oppose each other and utilizing a strut with a tiltable connection to an actuator, thereby isolating the clamp arm or slide block from clamping forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If industry standard die holder devices are used with dovetail cross section, then the clamp arm or slide block can be fabricated from high strength materials, but material stress and fatigue occur at the dovetail corners leading to high fabrication and replacement costs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a die holder that can be removed and replaced independently from the clamp arm or slide block. The die holder includes a body with a cavity receiving the clamp die, and the interface between die holder and clamp arm uses conical surfaces instead of dovetail corners, eliminating the stress concentration points while allowing the expensive clamp arm to be retained.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface geometry is changed from a dovetail cross section to conical surfaces. This parameter change eliminates the sharp corners that cause stress concentration and fatigue, while still providing a secure mechanical connection between the die holder and clamp arm through the conical interface.
2Force
If the die holder is securely connected to the clamp arm or slide block, then clamping force is effectively transferred, but axial movement and misalignment occur under substantial loadings
Solution Approach 1:
Conical surfaces are used instead of flat or angular surfaces at the interface between die holder and clamp arm. The conical geometry provides continuous surface contact that accommodates axial movement while maintaining stable alignment and effective force transfer under substantial loadings and multiple load cycles.
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 configuration reduces material stress and allows for the quick replacement of die types without replacing the entire clamp arm or slide block, lowering costs and maintaining steady contact under load.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first conical surface or a second conical surface that directly or indirectly bears against the clamp arm or the slide block
Implementation Method 2
The clamp arm or slide block has conical surfaces complementary to a first conical surface and to a second conical surface of the die holder. The first conical surface and the second conical surface may oppose each other in order to achieve the best possible connection between the die holder and the clamp arm or slide block.
Data Source
AI summary
A die holder device includes a die holder that has an axial centre line and is adapted to receive a clamp die. The die holder is included in a clamp arm or slide block. The die holder is restricted from axial movement by at least a first complete or partial conical surface and possibly by a second complete or partial conical surface that directly or indirectly bears against the clamp arm or the slide block.