Low Marking Inserts for Casing Tubing Tongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping devices used in oil and gas operations face issues with slippage during torque transmission due to tilting gripping elements and contamination/clogging, leading to insufficient penetration and force loss.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an insert for a tubular handling tool with a gripping element featuring an elongated body and multiple contact features, combining a hard material first member and an elastic material second member. The hard material contacts the gripping element at specific points, while the elastic material provides flexibility and even load distribution, preventing deflection and ensuring full surface contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If gripping elements are made rigid to transmit torque, then torque transmission capability is improved, but gripping elements tilt significantly resulting in slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the gripping element from rigid to elastic, allowing it to deform under torque while maintaining contact. The elastic gripping element can flex to accommodate surface irregularities and maintain continuous contact during rotation, preventing slippage while still transmitting torque effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining an elastic gripping element with a hard insert material. The elastic element provides flexibility and adaptability to maintain contact, while the hard insert provides the necessary strength and wear resistance for torque transmission, creating a synergistic combination that addresses both requirements.
2Force
If gripping surfaces are made sharp to penetrate contaminated surfaces, then penetration capability is improved, but contamination and clogging occur leading to insufficient penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from hard/sharp to elastic/softer, allowing the gripping element to deform and conform to contaminated surfaces. The elastic material can flex around irregularities and maintain contact pressure without being compromised by contamination or clogging, ensuring consistent penetration capability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If gripping elements are made hard to resist wear, then durability is improved, but they cannot adapt to irregular surfaces resulting in slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite design where the elastic gripping element is combined with a hard insert. The elastic element provides adaptability to irregular surfaces and maintains consistent contact, while the hard insert provides durability and wear resistance, allowing the gripping element to withstand extended use without deforming permanently.
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
This design enhances torque transmission without slippage, maintains contact even with irregular surfaces, and reduces the risk of contamination and clogging, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the clamping device.
Implementation Method 1
a second member formed from an elastic material, wherein the second member contacts the gripping element along the elongated body
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2D
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an insert in a clamping device or gripping apparatus. The insert may include a gripping element having an elongated body and a plurality of contact features, a first member formed from a hard material, wherein the first member contacts the gripping element in one or more locations, and a second member formed from an elastic material, wherein the second member contacts the gripping element along the elongated body.