Coiled Tubing Gripper Block Retention Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dovetail connection between gripper blocks and carrier blocks in coiled tubing injection equipment is prone to misalignment and increased force issues when handling larger diameter tubing, leading to potential binding and damage due to loose tolerances and relative movement.
Innovation Solution
A carrier block and gripper block assembly with a retention device featuring alignment means, gripping surfaces, and recesses that securely couple the gripper block to the carrier block, reducing relative movement and enhancing force transfer through improved alignment and retention features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a dovetail connection is used to couple the gripper block to the carrier block, then the gripper block can be easily replaced, but there is sufficient clearance that permits relative movement between the gripper block and carrier block during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into two functional segments: a dovetail feature for alignment and easy assembly, and a separate retention feature (such as a pin, bolt, or latch) that provides positive engagement to eliminate relative movement. This segmentation allows each feature to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary retention feature is introduced between the gripper block and carrier block to mediate the connection. This retention feature fills the clearance gap created by the dovetail design and provides the necessary mechanical constraint to prevent misalignment while maintaining the ease of assembly provided by the dovetail geometry.
2Productivity
If larger diameter tubing is used to handle greater production requirements, then more tubing can be conveyed, but relatively greater forces are imposed on the gripper block and dovetail connection
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function and retention function are merged into a single integrated connection system. The retention feature works in conjunction with the dovetail feature to create a unified connection that provides both easy assembly and high force capacity, allowing the gripper block to handle the greater forces imposed by larger diameter tubing without compromising the ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature is designed in advance to accommodate and cushion the increased forces that will be imposed on the connection when handling larger diameter tubing. The retention feature absorbs and distributes these forces, preventing them from concentrating on the dovetail edges and causing failure.
3Ease of operation
If the gripper block becomes misaligned relative to the carrier block, then force is misapplied to the tubing and equipment, but the dovetail design allows misalignment to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is designed with asymmetric geometry that provides alignment guidance in the critical direction while maintaining ease of assembly. The asymmetric shape of the retention feature ensures that the gripper block can only be installed in the correct orientation, eliminating misalignment while preserving the simplicity of the replacement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination of a carrier block and gripper block is disclosed. The gripper block includes a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side, and an upper surface spanning the distance between the first side and the second side. The upper surface includes a gripping surface. The gripper block includes at least one recess positioned in at least one of the first side and the second side of the gripper block, the at least one recess including an engagement surface. A retention device includes a retention feature proximate the first end and extending laterally away from a longitudinal axis of the retention device. The carrier block includes at least one retention recess disposed at least partially through the carrier block, the at least one retention recess being configured to receive a second end of the retention device.