Pipe Clamping Device Synchronous Gripping via Flexible Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamping devices face challenges in achieving precise centring of pipes within torque tongs, leading to potential damage due to uneven force distribution and difficulty in controlling hydraulically operated gripping devices without complex sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clamping device with synchronously moving gripping devices connected by elongate flexible transmission elements and safety devices, including compressible elastic means or springs, to ensure controlled displacement and prevent damage, along with detection mechanisms to prevent pipe misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulically operated gripping devices are used to position and hold the pipe, then the pipe can be held with sufficient force, but it becomes difficult to obtain precise arrangement for centring the pipe in the tubular centre
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe clamping device brings all gripping devices to the tubular centre before the torque tong is actuated. This preliminary centring action ensures that when the gripping devices exert holding force, they are already positioned precisely at the tubular centre, eliminating the need for complex sensor systems to achieve precise arrangement during force application.
2Manufacturing precision
If gripping devices are brought to the tubular centre for centring the pipe, then precise rotation about the tubular centre is achieved, but complex sensor and monitoring systems are required to control the positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe clamping device uses a self-service mechanism where the gripping devices are mechanically linked through elongate flexible transmission elements. When one gripping device moves towards the tubular centre, this movement is automatically transmitted to the other gripping devices, causing them to move synchronously. This mechanical self-synchronisation eliminates the need for complex sensor and monitoring systems to control positioning.
3Force
If gripping devices exert large forces against the pipe wall, then sufficient holding power is achieved, but damage can occur if not all gripping devices are in contact when actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe clamping device performs preliminary centring of all gripping devices to the tubular centre before the torque tong is actuated to apply large holding forces. This ensures that when the gripping devices are brought into contact with the pipe wall, they are all properly positioned, preventing damage that could occur if some devices were not in contact during force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe clamping device incorporates switches that detect whether gripping devices are in contact with the pipe. This feedback mechanism interrupts the sequence if the pipe lies outside the tolerance zone, preventing damage by stopping the actuation before large forces are applied when gripping devices are not properly positioned.
4Manufacturing precision
If the rotational axis of the torque tong and the longitudinal axis of the pipe member are positioned coincidentally, then accurate rotation is achieved, but precise mechanical positioning is difficult without sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe clamping device achieves self-service mechanical positioning by using elongate flexible transmission elements that automatically synchronise the movement of gripping devices to the tubular centre. This mechanical self-positioning system aligns the pipe's longitudinal axis with the torque tong's rotational axis without requiring sensors or monitoring systems to detect and measure position.
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 precise mechanical positioning and holding of pipes without complex control systems, preventing damage from uneven force distribution and ensuring accurate pipe alignment within the torque tong, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Upon movement of at least one of the gripping devices, this movement is transmitted to each of the other gripping devices by the associated elongate transmission element
Implementation Method 2
The pipe clamping device comprises at least three gripping devices, each disposed with a direction of movement towards the tubular centre... The at least one support means is connected to the at least one safety device for controlled displacement of this support means
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe clamping device comprising a housing which has a tubular center in which a pipe is to be positioned. The pipe clamping device comprises at least three gripping devices for synchronous movement in towards the pipe. Each gripping device is disposed with a direction of movement in towards the tubular center, where each gripping device is arranged in order, in contact with the pipe, to provide a holding force. The pipe clamping device is provided with elongate flexible transmission elements, each of the elongate flexible transmission elements being attached to one of the gripping devices and running in contact with at least one support means to attachment to each of the other gripping devices. Upon movement of at least one of the gripping device, this movement is transmitted to at least one of the other gripping device by the associated elongate transmission element. The invention also comprises a pipe clamping device in which there is used at least two gripping devices and a torque tong, of which the pipe clamping device is a part.