Gear Nut Adjustment Assembly for Automated Pipe Diameter Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrench assemblies for oil and gas well maintenance require manual adjustment to accommodate pipes of varying diameters, increasing operational time and risk of injury during make-up and break-out processes.
Innovation Solution
A gear nut adjustment assembly with a motor-driven nut assembly and ring gear system that automatically opens and closes jaws to accommodate pipes of different diameters, reducing manual intervention and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is used to accommodate pipes of varying diameters, then the wrench assembly can be operated with simple mechanical components, but the operational time increases and the risk of injury to operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static manual adjustment mechanisms with a dynamic automated system. The motor-driven nut assembly automatically adjusts the jaw position based on the pipe diameter, enabling the wrench assembly to adapt to varying pipe sizes without manual intervention. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while eliminating the time-consuming manual adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated adjustment system embodies the self-service principle by enabling the wrench assembly to adjust itself without operator intervention. The motor-driven nut assembly automatically positions the jaw to accommodate different pipe diameters, allowing the system to serve itself in the adjustment process. This eliminates the need for operators to manually adjust the mechanism, thereby reducing operational time while maintaining full adaptability to various pipe sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is used to accommodate pipes of varying diameters, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle is applied by transforming the static manual adjustment process into a dynamic automated operation. The motor-driven nut assembly automatically adjusts the jaw position according to the pipe diameter, enabling the system to adapt to varying pipe sizes without requiring manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-service principle is embodied in the automated adjustment mechanism that enables the wrench assembly to adjust itself without operator intervention. The motor-driven nut assembly automatically positions the jaw for different pipe diameters, allowing the system to perform the adjustment function on its own. This eliminates the need for operators to manually manipulate the adjustment mechanism, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving full adaptability to various pipe sizes.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of operator injury
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle is applied by replacing the simple static manual adjustment mechanism with a dynamic automated system driven by a motor. This motor-driven nut assembly automatically adjusts the jaw position based on pipe diameter, enabling the system to adapt to varying pipe sizes without manual intervention. While this increases device complexity, it simultaneously improves reliability by eliminating operator exposure to moving parts and potential injury risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-service principle is embodied in the automated adjustment mechanism that enables the wrench assembly to adjust itself without operator intervention. The motor-driven nut assembly automatically positions the jaw for different pipe diameters, allowing the system to perform the adjustment function on its own. This eliminates the need for operators to manually manipulate the adjustment mechanism, thereby improving safety and reliability while preserving full adaptability to various pipe sizes.
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 automated system significantly reduces the time required for making and breaking tubular connections, increases efficiency, and minimizes operator contact with the wrench assembly, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
A gear nut adjustment assembly with a motor-driven nut assembly and ring gear system that automatically opens and closes jaws to accommodate pipes of different diameters
Data Source
AI summary
A gear nut adjustment assembly is provided that receives and powers an adjustable jaw assembly for purposes of making or breaking a tubular connection. The adjustable jaw assembly is capable of receiving pipes of various diameters through an automated means. In one example of an implementation of the invention, the gear nut adjustment assembly of the present invention includes a housing for mounting a nut assembly at one end and a motor at the other end. The housing includes a front and rear housing where the front housing has a mounting assembly for mounting a nut assembly. The nut assembly includes at its rear end a ring gear. The rear housing further includes a drive gear positioned in between the front and rear housing in engagement with the ring gear of the nut assembly. The drive gear is driven by the motor attached to the back of the rear housing and, through engagement with the ring gear on the nut assembly, rotates the nut assembly to adjust the jaws of the adjustable jaw assembly.