Gripping Jaw Deflector for Pipe Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tongs often malfunction during pipe clamping due to the pipe being clamped between two jaws before it is properly centered, leading to potential damage and interruption of the connecting operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating deflectors on the gripping jaws that project beyond the sharp portions, which can be elastic or hydraulically biased, to prevent premature clamping and ensure the pipe is centered before engagement with the sharp ridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the gripping jaw is provided with sharp portions for good engagement with the pipe, then the gripping force and engagement quality are improved, but the risk of damaging the pipe or power tong during malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is positioned to make contact with the pipe before the sharp gripping portions, performing a preliminary centering action that prevents malfunction before the gripping force is applied. This preliminary intervention ensures the pipe is properly aligned, eliminating the conditions that would lead to damage during gripping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector acts as an intermediary element between the gripping jaw and the pipe. It mediates the interaction by first contacting the pipe to guide and center it, then allowing the sharp gripping portions to engage safely. This intermediary function prevents direct harmful contact between the sharp portions and a misaligned pipe.
2Manufacturing precision
If the deflector projects as far as or farther out than the sharp portions, then the pipe centering is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector serves multiple functions within a single structural element: it guides the pipe into proper alignment, prevents malfunction by blocking premature contact, and can be designed to retract or yield during normal operation. This multi-functionality achieves precise centering without requiring separate complex centering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector's position relative to the sharp portions can be adjusted or varied depending on the specific application requirements. By changing the projection distance parameter, the system can optimize between centering precision and structural simplicity for different pipe sizes and operating conditions.
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 deflector system effectively prevents the pipe from being clamped before centering, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring secure engagement with the sharp portions when the pipe is properly aligned.
Implementation Method 1
The deflector may be elastic or comprise an elastic element. The deflector will thus give and allow the sharp portions to obtain good engagement with the pipe when the pipe is centred in the power tong.
Implementation Method 2
The deflector may be given a smooth surface to help the pipe to slide on the deflector in the direction of the centre axis of the power tong.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A gripping jaw device (6) for a power tong (1), wherein a plurality of gripping jaws (6) are displaceable and provided with a gripping surface that comprises relatively sharp portions (12), the power tong (1) being designed to be able to grip about a pipe (22), and wherein the gripping jaw (6) is provided with a deflector (14).