Pipe Handling Attachment for Automated Make-Up and Break-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe handling methods for heavy construction equipment are inefficient in both connecting and disconnecting pipes, particularly due to the manual effort required and the limitations of manual tongs and power tongs in applying consistent torque during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling attachment is designed for heavy construction equipment, featuring a pipe break mechanism and pipe roller gripping assemblies that can rotate and torque pipes to facilitate efficient connection and disconnection by applying predetermined torque values, allowing for automatic threading and unthreading of pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tongs are used for pipe handling, then manual effort is required for operation, but the operation speed and consistency of torque application are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tongs with an automated pipe handling attachment that uses a hydraulic or electric motor-driven rotator mechanism. This substitution eliminates manual effort while significantly increasing operation speed through automated pipe rotation and positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment incorporates self-positioning features where the pipe rotator automatically orients and positions pipes during handling operations. The system uses sensors and control mechanisms to detect pipe orientation and automatically adjust positioning, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining high operational efficiency.
2Device complexity
If manual tongs are used for pipe handling, then operation is simpler in mechanism, but torque application consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates torque sensors and feedback control systems that continuously monitor the torque being applied during pipe making up and breaking operations. The control system adjusts hydraulic or electric motor output in real-time to maintain consistent predetermined torque values, ensuring reliable and repeatable torque application throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment uses hydraulic actuators and pneumatic systems to deliver controlled, consistent torque to pipe connections. The hydraulic system provides smooth, adjustable force application with precise control over torque magnitude, ensuring uniform torque distribution during pipe assembly and disassembly operations.
3Reliability
If power tongs are used for pipe handling, then torque application is improved, but the overall automation extent is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a multi-functional pipe handling attachment that combines pipe picking, positioning, rotation, torque application, and pipe stacking capabilities in a single automated system. The attachment can perform multiple operations including making up pipe connections, breaking out connections, and automated pipe stacking, thereby achieving high-level automation across the entire pipe handling process rather than just torque application.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment is described 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 to a predetermined torque value, unthread or thread pipe, and lift the pipe under the power of the heavy construction equipment.