Drill Pipe Tooling Rack With Locking Cams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooling racks for storing drill pipes are prone to losing the pipes due to limited friction forces, which can cause accidental dislodgment during shocks and vibrations, as the spring clamps' holding force is compromised to facilitate easy insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating locking means, such as double cams that can engage and disengage the resilient holding elements, allowing for secure holding during shocks and releasing the pipes when necessary, ensuring the drill pipes remain firmly in place without excessive force requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the friction force exerted by spring clamps is limited to facilitate easy insertion and removal of drill pipes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of holding the drill pipes during shocks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two states: a first state where spring clamps provide friction-based holding for easy operation, and a second state where locking means engage to provide rigid constraint during shocks. The locking means can be activated to transition from flexible friction holding to rigid mechanical locking, and deactivated to return to the original flexible state.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: spring clamps for normal operation (insertion, removal, and quiet holding) and locking means for shock protection. Each mechanism operates independently, allowing the system to combine their benefits without compromising either function.
2Reliability
If the holding force exerted by spring clamps is increased to prevent accidental loss during shocks, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to excessive force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two states: a first state where spring clamps provide friction-based holding for easy operation, and a second state where locking means engage to provide rigid constraint during shocks. The locking means can be activated to transition from flexible friction holding to rigid mechanical locking, and deactivated to return to the original flexible state.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: spring clamps for normal operation (insertion, removal, and quiet holding) and locking means for shock protection. Each mechanism operates independently, allowing the system to combine their benefits without compromising either function.
3Reliability
If locking means are introduced to engage resilient holding elements and prevent giving way during shocks, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means act as an intermediary mechanism that engages with the existing spring clamp system. Rather than replacing the spring clamps, the locking means work in conjunction with them, providing shock protection while allowing the original friction-based holding mechanism to continue functioning for normal operations.
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
The tooling rack effectively prevents drill pipes from slipping out during shocks while allowing for easy handling and storage, maintaining reliable retention without increasing the force needed for insertion or removal.
Implementation Method 1
the spring clamps bordering the slot... the elastic holding forces exerted by the spring clamps
Implementation Method 2
The springs of opposite holding elements may carry a friction element, such as a plastic element. Each pipe can then be gripped between two opposite friction elements... the friction forces exerted by the spring clamp
Data Source
AI summary
A tooling rack (1) for storing slender objects, such as pipes (4), comprises at least one rack element (6) which is provided with at least one slot (7). Each slot is bordered by resilient opposite holding elements (10, 11) between which an object is to be accommodated. The resilient opposite holding elements (10, 11) exert a holding force on the object (4), respectively give way to release the object against said holding force. Furthermore, with the aim of securing the objects against shocks and the like, locking means (12-16) are provided. These locking means in a locking state engage the resilient opposite holding elements (10, 11) and prevent said resilient opposite holding elements from giving way and from releasing the holding force exerted on the object (4), and an idle state in which said resilient opposite holding elements are allowed to give way and release the object.