Passive Tubular Connection Guide with Biasing Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe handling operations, particularly in drilling, are labor-intensive and dangerous, as they require manual alignment and actuation of stabbing guides, which can be challenging for robotic systems and often necessitate the use of power sources like hydraulics or electricity, leading to safety and efficiency issues.
Innovation Solution
A passive tubular connection guide with pivotably coupled jaws and a linkage system that uses a biasing mechanism to open and close without external power, allowing robotic or manual systems to guide pin ends into box ends of tubulars, eliminating the need for power sources and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operators use a clamshell guide to align and guide pin ends into box ends, then the alignment and guiding function is achieved, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The guide transitions from a static manual positioning device to a dynamic self-adjusting mechanism. The linkage system with biasing mechanism automatically adjusts the guide's position and orientation as the tubular is inserted, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and enabling continuous operation at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism serves itself by using the insertion motion of the tubular to automatically open and close the jaws through the linkage system. The biasing mechanism provides the necessary force without external power, allowing the system to perform its guiding function autonomously during the stabbing operation.
2Extent of automation
If actuators or power sources are added to automate the guide opening/closing mechanism, then the automation level increases, but the device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide mechanism performs its opening and closing actions autonomously using the mechanical energy from the tubular insertion process itself. The biasing mechanism stores potential energy that is converted to kinetic energy during insertion, eliminating the need for external actuators, electrical systems, or hydraulic power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the actuator and power source components from the guide system entirely. By extracting these complex elements, the design achieves automation through passive mechanical means, reducing device complexity and eliminating safety risks associated with electrical or hydraulic systems in the drilling environment.
3Reliability
If a passive guide mechanism without power sources is used, then the safety and simplicity improve, but the ability to control guide opening/closing becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism pre-loads the linkage system with stored energy that automatically opposes the closing force during insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that the guide jaws open reliably without requiring external control, maintaining simplicity while ensuring proper operation throughout the stabbing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide is pre-positioned and the biasing mechanism is pre-loaded before the insertion begins. This preliminary setup ensures that as soon as the tubular starts moving, the linkage system automatically translates the insertion motion into jaw opening action, providing full control capability without active power sources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If human operators manually maneuver drill pipe stands between well center and setback area, then the flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the labor intensity and danger increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passive guide mechanism serves as an intermediary between the robotic stabbing system and the drill pipe stands. It translates the robotic system's positioning into precise alignment and guiding actions, enabling robots to perform tasks that previously required skilled human operators while maintaining the flexibility needed for complex maneuvers.
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 solution enables efficient and safe end-to-end connection of tubulars without power sources, reducing labor intensity and improving operational speed by using a passive mechanism that relies on mechanical motion for opening and closing, thus addressing the limitations of existing manual and robotic pipe handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism resistant to compression and arranged between the first and second outer pivot points
Data Source
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AI summary
A guide mechanism may include a first jaw (102) and a second jaw (102) pivotably coupled to the first jaw (102). The jaws (102) may include a guide (100) having a bottom pocket for seating arrangement on a box end (76) of a first tubular (66) and a top funnel for laterally guiding a pin end (78) of a second tubular into the box end (76). The guide mechanism may also include a linkage system (106) secured to the first and second jaws (102) to control pivoting motion of the jaws (102). The guide mechanism may also include a bias mechanism (174) coupled to the linkage system (106) and configured to impart a biasing force on the jaws (102) via the linkage system (106). The biasing force may be adapted to resist opening of the jaws (102) such that opening of the jaws (102) occurs when a lateral force is applied to the guide mechanism that overcomes the biasing force.