Basket Gripper Applicator for Oil Platform Overshot Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overshot tools face difficulties in assembling and disassembling grippers due to the need for manual insertion of hands, which can be challenging or impossible for smaller diameter grippers, posing safety and contamination risks.

Innovation Solution

A gripper applicator device that allows for the insertion and removal of basket-type grippers into overshots without manual hand insertion, using a pin, arm, washer, handle, spring, nut, and screw mechanism to accommodate various overshot diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual insertion of hands is used to assemble and disassemble grippers in overshots, then the process is simple and requires no additional tools, but it becomes difficult or impossible for smaller diameter grippers and poses safety risks from contact with sharp surfaces and hydrocarbon contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of gripper assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidhand contact with sharp surfaces and hydrocarbon contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gripper applicator as an intermediary tool between the operator's hand and the gripper. This applicator has a gripping portion that engages with the gripper's external surface and a control portion that the operator manipulates. The intermediary tool allows operators to assemble and disassemble grippers without direct hand contact, eliminating exposure to sharp internal surfaces and hydrocarbon contamination while maintaining operational capability for all gripper sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual insertion of hands is used to assemble and disassemble grippers, then no additional equipment is needed, but the process becomes difficult or impossible for smaller diameter grippers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various gripper diametersVSAvoiddifficulty of hand insertion into small diameter grippers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper applicator is designed as a universal tool that can accommodate various gripper diameters. The applicator's gripping portion can engage with different sized grippers, and the control portion allows for manipulation regardless of the gripper's internal diameter. This multi-functional design enables the same tool to effectively assemble and disassemble grippers across the full range of diameters, from small to large, without requiring hand insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the gripper applicator is used to assemble and disassemble grippers, then safety and cleanliness are improved by preventing hand contact, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and cleanliness during gripper operationsVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly and disassembly equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper applicator is segmented into distinct functional portions: a gripping portion that engages with the gripper's external surface, a control portion that the operator manipulates, and connecting elements that transmit force. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple. The gripping portion provides mechanical engagement, the control portion enables operator input, and the connection transmits motion, creating a reliable system without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates safer and cleaner operations by preventing hand contact with sharp internal gripper surfaces and hydrocarbon contamination, while enabling efficient assembly and disassembly of grippers across all existing overshot diameters.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (6), having the function of applying force to the arms (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one pin (9), having the function of coupling the lower part of the arms (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

at least one screw (3), at least two nuts (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20250121489A1Gripper Applicator for External Gripping Tool

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA PETROBRAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device or tool called a basket-type gripper applicator on the external gripping tool that can be used in several fishing operations on oil platforms, whenever it is necessary to assemble or disassemble a basket-type gripper on the external gripping tool. As an improvement point, the prototype of the gripper applicator will have the insertion of a handwheel for handling, in addition, the gripper applicator can be used on all existing overshot diameters, both in the 70 series and in the 150 series, for the insertion of basket-type grippers. The main components of the invention are the pin, arm, washer, handle, spring, nut and screw.