Removable Wedge Mechanism for Pipe Handler Boom Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe handling systems in the oil drilling and rigging industry lack adaptability to varying platform elevations, requiring complex and permanent constructions that are difficult to set up, take down, and transport.
Innovation Solution
A wedge mechanism is introduced that can be removably coupled to a pipe handler skidway to change the longitudinal direction of the skidway, featuring a pipe-receiving trough with offset front and rear faces and support hooks, allowing for intuitive installation and easy redirection of the boom to reach greater heights without sacrificing ease of setup and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a pipe handler uses a fixed, rigid skidway structure to reach greater heights, then the platform elevation capability is improved, but the adaptability to varying elevations and ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The skidway is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected through wedge mechanisms. Each section can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the overall height and configuration to be adjusted based on platform elevation requirements while maintaining ease of transport and adaptability.
2Length of stationary object
If the skidway structure is made more complex to reach greater heights, then the platform elevation capability is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge mechanism incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow for dynamic reconfiguration of the skidway height. The wedges can be inserted, adjusted, and secured using simple fastening operations, enabling complex height adjustments without proportionally increasing assembly complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the skidway uses a fixed longitudinal direction to simplify structure, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to redirect the boom to reach greater heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge acts as an intermediary element between skidway sections, providing the ability to redirect the boom at intermediate points. This allows the skidway to maintain overall structural simplicity while gaining directional flexibility through the insertion of wedges at specific locations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe handler uses removable components to improve adaptability, then the adaptability to varying elevations is improved, but the structural stability and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge mechanism incorporates pre-designed engagement features and fastening systems that ensure secure connection before operation begins. The structure includes built-in stabilization elements and interlocking mechanisms that maintain structural integrity and reliability while allowing for removable and adaptable configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe handler trailer assists with the handling of very large and heavy pipes that are regularly raised to and lowered from an elevated surfaces. At least one wedge is removably coupled to an intermediate location within the pipe handler boom. The wedge is operative to change a longitudinal direction of the non-linear boom. The wedge has a pipe-receiving trough configured to cooperate with the pipe handler skidway and support pipes through longitudinal movement thereon. Front and rear faces are rigidly affixed to an undersurface of the wedge skidway, and are offset from parallel to each other. A pair of support hooks protrude from the wedge front face, and are designed to drop into and engage with a pair of mating slots. Once the support hooks are engaged with the slots, fasteners such as bolts and nuts are used to secure the wedge to the pipe handler boom.