Pivotally Connected Fork Tool Wrench for Drill Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool wrench assemblies for segmented drill pipes are prone to damage due to inadvertent lifting, which can occur when operators forget to disengage the wrench from the drill pipe segments during lifting or withdrawal operations.
Innovation Solution
A tool wrench assembly featuring dual hydraulic actuators and a pivotally connected fork that automatically disengages from the drill pipe flats when lifted, and engages them when retracted, reducing the risk of damage by allowing the fork to flip up and disengage without manual actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool wrench is extended to engage the flats on the drill pipe segment, then the wrench can effectively hold the segment in place during joining or separation operations, but the wrench becomes susceptible to damage when the drill pipe string is inadvertently lifted without disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The tool wrench assembly incorporates a movable fork that can dynamically change its position between extended and retracted states. The fork is connected to the actuator through a pivot joint, allowing it to rotate and disengage automatically when lifting forces are applied, thereby preventing damage while maintaining operational effectiveness during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a automatic disengagement mechanism that anticipates and counteracts the harmful effect of inadvertent lifting. When lifting forces are applied, the fork automatically rotates about its pivot axis to disengage from the drill pipe flats before damage can occur, providing preliminary protection against the harmful action
2Reliability
If the tool wrench is retracted to minimize damage risk, then the actuators are less prone to bending damage, but the wrench cannot effectively engage and hold the drill pipe segment during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the fork position based on operational needs. During normal joining or separation operations, the actuator extends the fork to engage the drill pipe flats. When lifting or potential damage scenarios arise, the fork automatically retracts or rotates to a protected position, thus achieving both operational effectiveness and damage protection at different times
Solution Approach 2:
The tool wrench assembly automatically transitions between engaged and retracted states based on the operational conditions. The pivot joint mechanism allows the fork to self-adjust its position in response to applied forces, eliminating the need for manual intervention to switch between operational and protective modes
3Reliability
If the fork is designed to flip up automatically during lifting, then the wrench assembly is protected from damage, but the structure becomes more complex with additional pivot joints and moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic disengagement function is merged into the existing tool wrench structure by integrating the pivot joint directly into the fork assembly. The pivot joint serves dual purposes: it enables the fork to engage and disengage during normal operations and simultaneously provides the automatic lifting protection, thereby achieving enhanced reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
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 tool wrench assembly effectively reduces the risk of damage to the wrench and its components by ensuring automatic disengagement during lifting and secure engagement during operation, minimizing bending and tensile stress on the actuators.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuator and the second actuator move the fork relative to the base upon actuation of the first actuator and the second actuator
Implementation Method 2
A fork is pivotally fixed relative to, and extends between, the first actuator and the second actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A tool wrench assembly for a blasthole drill includes a fork pivotally fixed relative to at least one actuator that moves the fork between an engaged and a disengaged position.