Hydraulic Wrench System for Confined Drill Stem Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coupling and decoupling drill stem sections, particularly sonde housings in horizontal directional drilling, are unsafe and inefficient due to the need for large pipe wrenches that apply high torque forces, making it difficult to break threaded connections within confined spaces like exit pits.
Innovation Solution
A wrench system with lever arms and jaws featuring engagement features like flats and splines, along with a jack screw actuator, provides a mechanical advantage for breaking drill stem joints while allowing multiple wrench orientations and maintaining stability, using a concentric axis of rotation to apply torque effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large pipe wrenches are used to apply high torque forces to break threaded connections, then the connection can be loosened, but safety risks increase and operation becomes difficult within confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional large pipe wrench mechanical system with a hydraulic actuator system. The hydraulic cylinder generates high torque force through hydraulic pressure acting on a piston, eliminating the need for manual leverage and large wrenches. This substitution allows high torque application while improving ease of operation within confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized coupling device as an intermediary between the drill stem and the actuator. This coupling device includes a drive shaft with external threads that engage with internal threads in the sonde housing, and a flange with engagement features for the actuator. The intermediary transfers and amplifies the actuator's linear motion into rotational torque on the threaded connection.
2Force
If large pipe wrenches are used to break threaded connections, then sufficient torque can be applied, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torque application system into distinct functional components: a hydraulic cylinder for force generation, a drive shaft with threads for torque transfer, a flange with engagement features for connection, and a housing for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system compared to a single large wrench.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic hydraulic actuator system that can adjust force output as needed. The hydraulic cylinder can provide variable torque forces by controlling hydraulic pressure, allowing the system to adapt to different connection tightness levels and operational requirements, reducing the need for multiple fixed-torque tools.
3Strength
If traditional threaded connections are used for sonde housing attachment, then a secure connection is achieved, but disconnection becomes difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical wrenching system with an automated hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic cylinder provides controlled, high-torque rotational force to break the threaded connection, eliminating the safety risks associated with manual pipe wrench operation in confined spaces and improving overall operational reliability.
4Ease of operation
If high torque forces are applied to loosen threaded joints, then the connection can be broken, but the risk of damage and accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the dangerous manual mechanical lever system with a controlled hydraulic actuator system. The hydraulic system provides precise control over the torque application, preventing sudden releases and reducing the risk of accidents while maintaining the capability to break tight threaded connections safely.
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 system simplifies the connection and disconnection of drill stem joints, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents by providing a controlled and powerful breaking force within confined spaces, while maintaining stability and wear resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A first wrench jaw (111) is included at a distal end of the first lever arm (110) and a second wrench jaw (122) is included at a distal end of the second lever arm (120)... rotating the first lever arm (110) with respect to the second lever arm (120) using a jack screw actuator (512) that provides a mechanical advantage
Data Source
AI summary
A drill stem connection system and method is shown that provides a secure hold on drill stem surfaces while unscrewing a threaded connection. Two lever arm components are adjustable to a number of possible orientations to allow for fitting the drill stem wrench in tight spaces. Concentric rotation of lever arm components facilitates connection of the lever arm components together. Configurations and methods shown provide a stable and powerful tool to loosen threaded drill stem effectively.