Pipe Spinner With Cam Roller And Flexible Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for spinning and connecting drill pipes are complex, labor-intensive, and often damage the pipes due to gripping mechanisms, and lack versatility in accommodating different pipe diameters without adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A pipe spinner apparatus with a body, pivotally coupled arms, and an actuator system that includes a cam roller and a flexible belt, allowing for adjustable tensioning and rotation of the pipe, enabling efficient engagement and disengagement of threaded connections without damaging the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pipe spinning devices are used, then pipe rotation can be achieved, but the devices are complex and require multiple people to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a body, pivotally coupled arms, cam rollers for gripping, and a drive assembly with flexible belt. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe spinner is designed to perform multiple functions: gripping the pipe with cam rollers, applying tension through the flexible belt, and rotating the pipe. The pivoting arms can engage and disengage automatically, reducing the need for multiple separate tools or operations.
2Productivity
If traditional gripping mechanisms are used, then pipe rotation can be achieved, but the pipe surface is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible belt instead of rigid gripping jaws or teeth. The flexible belt wraps around the pipe surface, distributing the gripping force evenly and preventing localized damage. The belt can be tensioned to provide sufficient friction for rotation without concentrating force that would damage the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible belt acts as an intermediary between the drive assembly and the pipe. Instead of direct contact between gripping teeth and pipe surface, the belt mediates the force transmission, protecting the pipe while still enabling rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed gripping devices are used, then pipe rotation can be achieved, but the device cannot accommodate different pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are pivotally coupled to the body, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and angle. This pivoting mechanism enables the device to accommodate different pipe diameters by changing the arm configuration without requiring complex adjustments or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The same pivoting arm structure serves multiple pipe sizes by allowing flexible positioning. The device is designed to be universal, handling various pipe diameters with a single configuration rather than requiring size-specific adjustments.
4Productivity
If automated pipe spinning devices are used, then tripping operations are sped up, but multiple steps are required to perform desired operations
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the pivoting arms perform both gripping and tensioning, the flexible belt transmits power while accommodating pipe rotation, and the cam rollers provide automatic engagement. This merging reduces the number of separate steps needed compared to using multiple separate tools.
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 enhances the efficiency and versatility of pipe spinning operations, reducing labor and equipment complexity while accommodating various pipe diameters without additional adjustments, ensuring secure and damage-free connections.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible belt (400) extended around said pipe (600), wherein said belt (400) is configured to rotate said pipe (600)
Implementation Method 2
The arm has a cam roller coupled thereto. The actuator is operable to pivot the arm relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the cam roller engages the tubular.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for rotating or spinning a tubular. In some embodiments, the apparatus, referred to herein as a pipe spinner, includes a body, an arm pivotally coupled to the body, and an actuator coupled to the arm. The arm has a cam roller coupled thereto. The actuator is operable to pivot the arm relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the cam roller engages the tubular. In the open position, the cam roller is disengaged from the tubular.