Extended Pipe Connector Structure for High-Torque Makeup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connectors used with power tongs often suffer from thread damage due to the direct application of force required to achieve high torque values, limiting the torque that can be applied without damaging the threaded connections.
Innovation Solution
An extended pipe connector with a gripping surface and reinforced portion that allows for increased torque without direct force application to the threaded areas, featuring a gripping surface along the outside diameter and a reinforced internal structure to resist deformation, enabling connections at higher torque values without thread damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power tongs apply direct force to the threaded connection portions to achieve high torque values, then the torque required to thread the connector increases, but the likelihood of thread damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended gripping portion serves as an intermediary element between the power tongs and the threaded connection portions. It allows force application at a location remote from the threads, mediating the transmission of torque while protecting the threaded portions from direct force application and potential damage
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is segmented into distinct functional portions: an extended gripping portion for force application, reinforced portions for structural support, and threaded connection portions for joining. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, enabling high torque application without compromising thread integrity
2Strength
If the connector body wall thickness is increased to provide a reinforced portion, then the resistance to deformation increases, but the mass of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs local quality by providing reinforced portions with increased wall thickness only in specific locations where structural support is needed, rather than uniformly increasing wall thickness throughout the entire connector. This allows the connector to achieve necessary strength while minimizing overall mass increase
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is divided into segments with different wall thicknesses: thicker reinforced portions where structural support is needed and thinner portions where less support is required. This segmented approach optimizes the balance between strength and weight
3Ease of operation
If the extended gripping portion is made longer to accommodate power tong dies, then the ease of operation with power tongs improves, but the length of the connector body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended gripping portion provides more length than the minimum required to accommodate power tong dies, ensuring adequate clearance and ease of operation. This excessive action in one dimension (gripping surface length) helps mitigate the negative impact of increased overall connector length
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting pipes and for use with power tongs have a die length. The connector includes a body with threaded connection portions at each end of the body on an inside surface of the body. The connector includes a gripping surface defined on an outside surface of the body between the threaded connection portions. The gripping surface is at least as long as the die length. The connector includes a reinforced portion of the body proximate each of the threaded connection portions for increasing resistance to deformation of the body upon being connected with a pipe. The gripping surface and the reinforced portion together facilitate an increase in connection torque of pipes connected with the connector.