Rod and Casing Handler with Interchangeable Saddle Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
In earth boring operations, handling and lifting rods and casings, which are heavy and large, is dangerous and inefficient, especially when they need to be positioned concentrically, as existing methods lack the capability to simultaneously manage cylindrical bodies of different diameters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A rod and casing handler equipped with a boom mount, clamp mounting structure, and hydraulic clamps with interchangeable saddle plates and tongs, allowing for simultaneous gripping and manipulation of cylindrical bodies with different diameters, utilizing an excavator's hydraulic system for actuation and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual lifting of rods and casings is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but safety and efficiency deteriorate due to heavy weights requiring multiple individuals
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanically advantaged clamp assembly acts as an intermediary device between the cylindrical bodies (rods and casings) and the lifting system. The clamp assembly includes a body, movable jaw, and mechanically advantaged linkage that translates small movements of a retractable rod into large clamping forces, enabling safe handling of heavy cylindrical bodies without requiring multiple manual lifters
2Device complexity
If manual handling of rods and casings is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient lifting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to automatically grip and release cylindrical bodies through its mechanically advantaged linkage system. When the retractable rod is extended or retracted, it automatically triggers the movable jaw to clamp or release the cylindrical body, eliminating the need for complex manual operation procedures and improving handling efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed diameter clamps are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when handling cylindrical bodies of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates a movable jaw that can dynamically adjust its position along the body to accommodate cylindrical bodies of different diameters. The mechanically advantaged linkage allows the clamp to maintain precise gripping force across a range of diameters, combining manufacturing precision with adaptability
4Manufacturing precision
If concentric positioning of rods inside casings is required, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to grip both the rod and casing simultaneously at the same radial level, creating an equipotential gripping condition that naturally promotes concentric alignment. By clamping both bodies at equivalent positions, the system achieves concentric positioning without requiring complex alignment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A rod and casing handler according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a boom mount that is configured to be coupled to a boom. A clamp mounting structure is coupled to the boom mount and has a central portion, a first arm, and a second arm, where each arm extends from the central portion. A first clamp is coupled to the first arm and includes a first set of actuatable tongs and a first removable saddle plate. A second clamp is coupled to the second arm, and it includes a second set of actuatable tongs and a second removable saddle plate. The first removable saddle plate has a first arcuate surface sized and shaped to correspond to a cylindrical body having a first diameter, and the second saddle plate has a second arcuate surface sized and shaped to correspond to a cylindrical body having a second diameter, the first and second arcuate surfaces are disposed to hold the first cylindrical body in coaxial alignment with the second cylindrical body.