Rotating Apparatus for Cylindrical Members with Enclosed Gear Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating devices for tubulars are limited by their inability to uniformly clean and coat extended lengths, handle multiple tubulars simultaneously, accommodate varying diameters, and prevent contamination from debris and cleaning agents.
Innovation Solution
A rotating apparatus comprising a housing with enclosed gear train and wheels positioned outside, allowing multiple tubulars of different diameters to be rotated simultaneously, with lubricating fluid to reduce friction and prevent contamination, and a method involving a gear train configuration with intermediate gears to ensure uniform rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If previous cleaning and coating devices are used, then they can clean and coat tubulars, but they are unable to provide a uniform cleaning action or coating over an extended length
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular is divided into multiple sections, with each section being independently rotated by dedicated rotating wheels. This segmentation allows each wheel to uniformly clean and coat its specific section, and when combined, the entire tubular achieves uniform coverage across its extended length.
2Productivity
If a typical cleaning and coating system is used, then it can rotate one or two tubulars simultaneously, but it is not capable of cleaning and coating large quantities of tubulars
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rotating wheels are combined into a single integrated device, with each wheel capable of rotating a tubular. The wheels are positioned along a common axis and can simultaneously rotate multiple tubulars, greatly increasing productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through shared support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating wheels are designed with universal functionality to accommodate tubulars of different diameters. By adjusting the spacing between wheels and their rotational characteristics, the same device can handle various tubular sizes, making the system versatile and highly productive across different applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If previous rotating devices are used, then they can rotate a tubular of a specific diameter, but they cannot adjust for tubulars having smaller or larger diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing between rotating wheels is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the device to adapt to tubulars of different diameters. The wheels can be positioned at varying distances from the tubular surface, enabling the same device to accommodate smaller or larger diameters without requiring complex mechanical adjustments to the rotation mechanism itself.
4Reliability
If previous rotating devices use exposed or external chain and sprocket assemblies or belt and pulley assemblies, then they can transmit torque to the tubular rotating wheels, but cleaning agents, coating particles, and debris can enter the working components causing excessive wear or complete cessation
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission mechanism is extracted from the exposed external environment and relocated into a protected housing. The chain and sprocket assemblies or belt and pulley assemblies are enclosed within the housing structure, isolating them from cleaning agents, coating particles, and debris that would otherwise cause wear and contamination, thereby significantly improving reliability.
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
Enables uniform cleaning and coating of extended tubular lengths, accommodates multiple tubulars of varying diameters, and prevents contamination, enhancing efficiency and reliability in operations.
Implementation Method 1
The housing assembly can contain lubricating fluid for reducing friction between the plurality of drive gears and the plurality of intermediate gears
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, comprising a housing, a first plurality of gears positioned within the housing, a second plurality of gears positioned within the housing, and a plurality of wheels positioned externally of the housing, are usable for rotating cylindrical objects. Each gear of the second plurality of gears is engaged with two gears of the first plurality of gears, and the housing is adapted to contain gear lubricating fluid therein. The plurality of wheels is connected with the first plurality of gears, and each wheel, of the plurality of wheels, has a diameter that is larger than a height of the housing. The plurality of wheels rotates one or more cylindrical objects positioned thereon.