Pivotable Gate Shoulder Elevator for Pipe Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Oil well casing handling devices, specifically elevators, face significant stress, strain, and fatigue due to repeated loadings, leading to potential damage and safety risks for rig equipment and workers, with existing designs often requiring multiple components and complex operations.
Innovation Solution
An open ring shoulder-type elevator with pivotable gates and a manual safety latch mechanism, allowing for secure pipe segment handling with minimal components and reduced operational steps, featuring a partially ringed frame with spring-biased gates that automatically close around the pipe segment upon insertion, and a lever-operated latch for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elevators use multiple components and complex mechanisms to secure pipe segments, then the gripping reliability is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gripping functions into a single integrated gate structure. The gate serves both as the gripping element and the securing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components. The gate pivots on a pin and uses its own weight and geometry to grip the pipe segment, merging what would traditionally require multiple parts into one unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the pipe segment into position, grips the segment through its geometry, secures the grip through pivoting motion, and releases when needed. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components while maintaining reliable gripping capability.
2Reliability
If traditional elevators use complex securing mechanisms, then the safety of pipe segment handling is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator design allows the gate to automatically grip the pipe segment through its own weight and pivoting motion. Once the pipe segment is inserted through the open sector, the gate naturally pivots to engage and secure it without requiring additional manual操作步骤. The mechanism serves itself by using gravity and geometry to achieve secure gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate is pre-configured with pivot pins and appropriate geometry so that when the pipe segment is inserted, the gating action occurs automatically through the natural movement of the gate. The securing action is built into the structure itself, requiring no preliminary complex setup or multiple operational steps.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If elevators are designed with robust components to withstand repeated loadings, then the durability is improved, but the weight of the elevator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator is divided into distinct functional segments: the ring body, the gate, the pivot pin, and the collar support. Each segment is optimized for its specific function and can be independently sized and material-selected. This allows the overall structure to be lighter while maintaining durability, as each component is only as heavy as necessary for its role.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate and collar support areas are designed with localized reinforcement only where needed to withstand the gripping forces and pipe weights. The ring body maintains sufficient structural integrity through its geometry rather than uniform thickening. This selective reinforcement approach reduces overall weight while ensuring durability at critical stress points.
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 design enhances the durability and safety of the elevator by minimizing component failure and operational complexity, reducing the risk of accidents and costs associated with maintenance and repair, while ensuring secure and efficient lifting and lowering of pipe segments.
Implementation Method 1
The pivotally positionable gates are spring biased to an open position so that the entrance into the body ring is open. The gates are pivoted simultaneously to a closed position upon contact with a pipe segment inserted into the ring body.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder elevator having a gated pipe opening is disclosed. The elevator has a ringed body having unclosed sector creating an opening for receiving a pipe within the body ring. Pivotally mounted gates positioned on opposite sides of the unclosed sector of the ringed body, move in unison to an open and partially close the unclosed sector of the ringed body around the pipe in response to pipe contact with rearward end of the gates. A lever is provided to manually pivot the gates to an open and closed position around a pipe. Lifting lugs or ears are provided to attach the elevator to the lifting links of a hoist.