Floating Torque Wrench Assembly with Wedge Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrench tools in the oil and gas industry often misalign with the center axis of tubulars due to uneven gripper contact, leading to improper torque application and potential leaks in threaded connections.
Innovation Solution
A wrench assembly with an upper and lower clamp assembly and an alignment device featuring a wedge and groove mechanism that allows lateral movement of the upper clamp assembly relative to the lower clamp assembly, ensuring torque is applied along the center axis of the tubulars, even if misaligned with the wrench tool's axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the grippers contact the tubular at fixed positions, then the wrench tool structure is simple, but the center axis of the tubular becomes offset from the center axis of the wrench tool, resulting in misapplication of torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the upper clamp assembly laterally movable relative to the lower clamp assembly through the wedge and groove mechanism. This allows the wrench tool to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate tubulars with varying degrees of eccentricity, transforming a static fixed-structure design into a dynamic adaptive design that maintains alignment precision without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by allowing the lateral position of the upper clamp assembly to vary based on the degree of misalignment detected. The wedge mechanism enables continuous adjustment of the lateral position parameter, allowing the tool to adapt to different alignment conditions and maintain optimal torque application across varying operational scenarios
2Device complexity
If the upper clamp assembly is fixed relative to the lower clamp assembly, then the device structure is simpler, but torque cannot be properly applied when the tubular center axis is offset from the wrench tool center axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed clamp assembly structure into a dynamic system where the upper clamp assembly can laterally move relative to the lower clamp assembly. This dynamic capability allows the tool to maintain reliable torque application even when the tubular center axis is offset, by automatically adjusting the upper clamp position to follow the tubular's actual center line
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge and groove mechanism serves as an intermediary device that enables controlled lateral movement between the upper and lower clamp assemblies. This intermediary mechanism translates rotational motion into lateral displacement, allowing the upper clamp to compensate for misalignment while maintaining the structural integrity and simplicity of the overall assembly
3Manufacturing precision
If the upper clamp assembly can move laterally to compensate for eccentricity, then torque application accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the alignment device
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge and groove mechanism acts as a simple intermediary device that provides lateral movement capability without requiring complex actuators or control systems. The wedge translates rotational movement into lateral displacement through geometric conversion, achieving torque application precision while keeping the added structural complexity minimal
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device operates autonomously without requiring external control or power sources. As the upper and lower clamp assemblies rotate together during operation, the wedge automatically converts the rotational motion into lateral movement of the upper clamp, allowing the system to self-adjust and compensate for eccentricity without additional complexity from control systems
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 ensures maximum torque is applied to the threaded connection by compensating for eccentricity between the tubulars and the wrench tool's axis, preventing leaks and ensuring proper connection makeup and break-out operations.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge disposed through an opening formed in the upper plate member of the lower clamp assembly and biased into engagement with a groove formed in a surface of the lower plate member of the upper clamp assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A wrench assembly comprising an upper clamp assembly (135), a lower clamp assembly (140) coupled to the upper clamp assembly, and an alignment device (500) disposed between the upper and lower clamp assemblies to allow the upper clamp assembly to move laterally relative to the lower clamp assembly when rotated relative to the lower clamp assembly.