Elevator Bail Load Suspension Device with Overload Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for suspending loads, such as compensators, from elevator bails in drilling rigs are unreliable and unsafe, often resulting in damage to equipment and potential worker injuries due to the limited options available for secure suspension that can accommodate varying loads.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising upper and lower bail clamps with connecting parts that allow for translational movement, providing an additional suspension point and an overload indicator, ensuring safe and secure attachment of loads by displacing the connecting part upon exceeding a predetermined load, thus alerting workers to potential issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel wires are used to suspend a compensator from the upper loop of an elevator bail, then a suspension solution is provided, but the suspension is unreliable and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension device is divided into multiple functional segments: upper and lower bail clamps for attachment, a connecting part with slot for movement, and coupling means for load connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting part with the slot acts as an intermediary element between the bail clamps and the load. It provides controlled movement capability and overload indication functionality, mediating between the fixed bail structure and the suspended load while enhancing reliability.
2Reliability
If a device with upper and lower bail clamps and a connecting part with slot is used to suspend loads, then reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the upper and lower bail clamps, allows controlled translational movement of the upper clamp, and provides overload indication through the slot mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot mechanism provides automatic overload indication through visual displacement without requiring external sensors or complex monitoring systems. The device serves its own monitoring function, eliminating the need for additional complex detection equipment.
3Loss of information
If the upper connecting means allow translational movement of the connecting part, then overload indication is enabled, but the suspension stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper connecting means incorporate a slot that allows dynamic translational movement of the connecting part relative to the upper bail clamp. This dynamic capability enables the system to respond to overload conditions through visible displacement while maintaining stable suspension under normal operating loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is positioned and dimensioned to provide movement freedom only in the vertical direction for overload indication, while maintaining rigid connection in other degrees of freedom. This localized flexibility preserves suspension stability while enabling overload detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and drilling rig are disclosed for suspending loads from a bail or an elevator of such drilling rig, and method therefor. The device includes an upper bail clamp for clamping around the bail, a lower bail clamp for clamping around the bail, and a connecting part which is connected to the upper bail clamp by means of upper connecting means and connected to the lower bail clamp by means of lower connecting means. The connecting part is further provided with a coupling means for connecting the connecting part to the load to be suspended from the bail. At least one of the upper connecting means allow translational movement of the connecting part with respect to one of the upper bail clamps, while another of the connecting means are arranged to prevent translational movement of the connecting part with respect to the other of the lower bail clamps.