Pipe Handling Attachment With Pivoting Grips for Accessory Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe handling technologies, such as manual tongs and power tongs, are limited in their ability to efficiently attach to and detach from heavy construction equipment, particularly in handling pipe accessories like reamers or valves, due to interference issues and the need for manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling attachment that can be mounted on heavy construction equipment, featuring pivotable and rotatable components, including pipe roller gripping assemblies and a vise assembly, allowing for the secure gripping, rotation, and positioning of pipes during make-up and break-out operations, while accommodating pipe accessories by moving out of the way when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pipe roller gripping assemblies are used to grip and rotate pipe, then pipe handling efficiency is improved, but interference with pipe accessories (reamers, valves) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe roller gripping assembly is made movable between a lowered position (use position) and a raised position (non-use position) via a pivoting mechanism. This dynamic repositioning allows the assembly to clear interference with pipe accessories like reamers and valves when needed, while maintaining its gripping and rotation functions when handling standard pipe sections.
2Device complexity
If manual tongs are used for pipe operations, then simplicity is maintained, but manual labor and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates a pipe roller gripping assembly that automatically grips and rotates pipe sections during make-up and break-out operations. The assembly self-adjusts to engage with the pipe and performs the rotational work without requiring manual operation, thereby eliminating manual labor while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If power tongs are used for pipe operations, then operational efficiency is improved, but interference with pipe accessories occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment uses a movable pipe roller gripping assembly that can pivot between a lowered position for active pipe handling and a raised position for clearing interference with accessories. This dynamic capability allows power-assisted operations to proceed efficiently while adapting to the presence of reamers, valves, or other pipe accessories that would otherwise cause interference.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed pipe gripping assemblies are used, then structural stability is maintained, but ability to move out of the way for accessories is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe roller gripping assembly is designed with a pivoting mechanism that allows it to move between a lowered use position and a raised non-use position. This dynamic structure maintains structural stability during pipe gripping and rotation operations while enabling the assembly to clear interference with pipe accessories when required.
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
Enables efficient connection and disconnection of pipes, including those with accessories, by providing a mechanical advantage for torque and rotation, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual labor in pipe assembly and disassembly tasks.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe roller gripping assembly is configured to grip a pipe and rotate the pipe about a longitudinal axis of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
the attachment can pick up the first section of pipe, position the first section of pipe relative to the second section of pipe for connection, rotate the first section of pipe relative to the second section of pipe to thread the pipe sections together, and then torque the joint between the pipe sections to complete the connection
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of heavy construction equipment. The attachment is configured to rotate a section of pipe during break-out (i.e. disconnection or disassembly) from another section of pipe and/or make-up (i.e. connection or assembly) with another section of pipe. The attachment is configured to break the joint or torque the joint, unthread or thread pipe, and lift the pipe under the power of the heavy construction equipment.