Automated Drill Pipe Wrench with Adjustable Jaw Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drill pipe wrenches are inefficient and pose safety hazards due to manual operation requirements, inability to accommodate variable drill pipe diameters, and insufficient torque for connecting and disconnecting thin-walled drill pipes in exploration drilling.

Innovation Solution

A wrench with a jaw assembly and multiple actuators that can engage and disengage drill pipe connections with adjustable jaw inserts, allowing for high-torque application and operation at a safe distance from the drill head, accommodating a range of drill pipe diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual wrench operation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrench structureVSAvoidmanual operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuation system. A motor-driven actuator automatically positions and applies force through a mechanical linkage system (including a pawl-ratchet mechanism) to operate the wrench jaws, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining mechanical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wrench incorporates a self-positioning mechanism where the actuator automatically aligns the jaw assembly with the drill pipe connection. The system uses sensors to detect the target location and autonomously maneuvers the jaws into the correct engagement position without requiring manual alignment by an operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If fixed jaw width is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw assembly structureVSAvoiddrill pipe diameter accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw assembly features an adjustable width mechanism that allows dynamic reconfiguration. The jaws can be moved relative to each other along the drill pipe axis, and the jaw inserts can be repositioned or replaced to accommodate different drill pipe diameters, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The jaw assembly is divided into modular components including removable jaw inserts that can be exchanged based on the drill pipe size. This segmentation allows the same jaw assembly to serve multiple diameter requirements by swapping inserts rather than replacing the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If high torque is applied to thin-walled drill pipes, then the productivity is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to pipe distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidpipe wall distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw inserts are designed with specific surface characteristics (such as textured or compliant surfaces) that distribute the gripping force evenly across the contact area with the drill pipe. This local optimization of the jaw-pipe interface prevents stress concentration that would cause thin wall distortion while maintaining sufficient friction for high torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The jaw inserts may utilize composite or coated materials that combine high friction properties with low hardness to avoid marring or deforming the thin-walled drill pipe. This allows aggressive gripping forces to be applied without transferring damaging stresses to the pipe wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If operator proximity to drill head is required, then the ease of operation is improved for manual control, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control precisionVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operator control with an automated control system that includes sensors, a controller, and motorized actuators. The system autonomously positions the jaw assembly, applies the correct torque, and manages the connection/breaking operations without requiring the operator to be near the rotating drill head, thereby eliminating safety hazards associated with proximity to moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11396780B2Wrench for use with making and breaking a drill string

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 QUANTUM MASCH WORKS LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wrench for loosening or tightening a threaded joint of two drill-string components. The wrench is mountable on a drill assembly. The wrench comprises: a jaw assembly with opposing jaws for engaging the drill-string component therebetween; a first actuator for actuating the pair of opposing jaws between an engaged position and a disengaged position; a second actuator configured to pivot the jaw assembly and configured for applying a torque when engaged with the drill-string component; a third actuator configured to extend and retract the jaw assembly in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill assembly when the wrench is mounted on the drill assembly; and a fourth actuator for actuating the wrench in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to drilling systems comprising the wrench.