Pipe Gripping Assembly Locking Body Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe gripping assemblies experience unwanted disengagement of pipes due to failure of actuation means, such as hydraulic cylinders, which can cause the pivotable gripping members to open and release the pipe.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a movable locking body and associated displacement means that allow the pivotable gripping members to be locked in a closed position, even if the actuation means fail, by engaging with a locking body engaging portion to prevent movement to the open position, ensuring the pipe remains secured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic cylinder is used to actuate the pivotable gripping members, then the gripping action can be achieved, but failure of the hydraulic cylinder will cause the gripping members to open and disengage the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body is designed to automatically engage with the locking body engaging portion when the gripping members are in the closed position, creating a preliminary counter-action that prevents unintended opening. This anti-action mechanism ensures that even if the hydraulic cylinder fails, the gripping members remain locked in the closed position, thereby improving gripping reliability without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking body is positioned and dimensioned such that it automatically engages with the locking body engaging portion as the gripping members close, performing the locking action preliminarily before any potential failure can occur. This preliminary locking action ensures the gripping members stay closed without requiring additional complex control systems
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking body geometry is designed so that forces are mainly perpendicular to the displacement direction, then the locking body remains stable even when actuation means fail, but the locking body displacement means must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body geometry is designed with specific local features: the locking surface is oriented perpendicular to the displacement direction to maximize stability, while the displacement interface maintains appropriate clearance for ease of manufacture. This local differentiation of geometric qualities allows the locking body to be both stable and manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The locking body geometry incorporates a cushioning effect where the perpendicular force orientation naturally absorbs and distributes loads, preventing stress concentration and facilitating manufacturing. The geometric design inherently cushions against manufacturing variations while maintaining stability
3Force
If two generally opposed pivotable gripping members with locking body engaging portions are provided, then the net force on the locking body is decreased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While two gripping members are provided, they are designed with asymmetric locking body engaging portions that mate with corresponding asymmetric features on the locking body. This asymmetric design allows the opposing members to work together to reduce net force while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through purposeful asymmetry rather than complex symmetry
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe gripping assembly for handling a pipe includes at least two gripping members, wherein each gripping member comprises a pipe engaging portion engageable with the outer circumference of a pipe, wherein at least one gripping member is rotatable about a pivot axis, and wherein the pipe gripping assembly further comprises actuation means to rotate the at least one rotatable gripping member such that the pipe gripping assembly is movable between an open position for receiving a pipe and a closed position in which the pipe engaging portions engage with a pipe, wherein each rotatable gripping member further comprises a locking body engaging portion and the pipe gripping assembly further comprises a movable locking body and associated displacement means to move the locking body such that the pipe gripping assembly is lockable in the closed position by moving the locking body to a locking position.