Rod Clamp Assembly With Pivot Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polished rod clamps for reciprocating piston pumps in oil and gas wells require lengthy installation processes due to multiple bolts that need to be tightened to specific torque, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A rod clamp assembly with pivotally connected clamp members, a handle, and a lock bolt that secures the clamp in a locked position using a semi-cylindrical groove and receptacle mechanism, allowing for quick and secure assembly without the need for multiple bolts, and optionally includes a safety lock assembly for added security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rod clamps with multiple bolts are used, then the clamp provides reliable holding capability, but the installation process becomes lengthy and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into two separate clamp members that can be independently positioned and secured, allowing for simplified installation while maintaining holding capability through the distributed clamping action of both members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp members are pre-configured with alignment features and securing mechanisms that enable quick installation without requiring multiple separate tightening operations, thus reducing installation time while ensuring reliable holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If multiple bolts are used to secure the clamp, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidnumber of bolts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated securing mechanism that combines the roles of multiple bolts into one unified component, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength through the combined action of the clamp members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing both the clamping force and the locking action that would traditionally require separate bolts, thereby reducing the number of components needed while ensuring strong connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional clamp installation procedures are followed, then the clamp is securely fastened, but safety risks increase due to loose components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidsafety risks from loose components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional loose fastening components such as nuts and washers are extracted from the design and replaced with an integrated securing mechanism that eliminates the possibility of loose components, thereby maintaining secure fastening while improving safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potential harm of loose components into a benefit by using a positive locking mechanism that actively prevents component separation, transforming the safety risk into a safety feature through the interlocked clamp member design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 rod clamp assembly significantly reduces installation time, enhances safety by eliminating loose components, and provides a stable grip on the polished rod, capable of holding heavier loads with multiple assemblies, thus improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

the lock end of the lock bolt engages the receptacle of the second clamp member to pull the first and second clamp members together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The first and second clamp members each include a semi-cylindrical groove. The rod clamp assembly is secured to a rod by positioning the rod between the first and second clamp members with the rod clamp assembly in the open position. With the rod disposed in the semi-cylindrical grooves of the first and second clamp members, the rod clamp assembly is placed in the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS10612539B2Rod clamp assembly and method

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 NEO DESIGN GRP LLC

AI summary

A rod clamp assembly including a first clamp member pivotally connected to a second clamp member, a handle pivotally connected to the first clamp member, and a lock bolt pivotally connected to the handle. The first and second clamp members each include a semi-cylindrical groove. A lock end of the lock bolt is configured to engage a receptacle of the second clamp member to pull the first and second clamp members together. An elongated portion of the handle is rotated to a locked position in which the first and second clamp members are secured together. A base of the handle, which engages the first clamp member, may include a notch for providing a quick close and quick open. Optionally, the rod clamp assembly includes a safety lock assembly, which engages the elongated portion of the handle to secure the handle in the locked position.