Self-Locking Tubular Gripping Device for Wellbore Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tubular gripping devices for wellbore pipes require externally applied forces for installation and may not effectively restrict both axial and rotational movements, leading to potential instability and misalignment during well construction.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking tubular gripping device featuring a spring mechanism that passively grips the pipe without external force, utilizing a retaining member to initially hold the device in a disabled position and then releasing to engage the pipe, with additional mechanisms providing frictional and gripping forces to restrict axial and rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tubular gripping devices are used, then the device can be installed on the pipe, but externally applied forces are required for installation and the device cannot effectively restrict both axial and rotational movements
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device utilizes a spring mechanism that automatically engages with the tubular member upon installation, eliminating the need for externally applied forces. The spring's elastic force self-activates the gripping action, and the device self-restricts both axial and rotational movements through its mechanical design, achieving self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic spring mechanism that transitions from a compressed state during installation to an expanded gripping state upon engagement. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to the tubular member and effectively restrict movements without requiring external force application.
2Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to enable passive gripping, then external force is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to be self-activating, requiring no external force or complex control systems. The simple elastic element automatically engages the gripping function when the device is installed on the tubular member, achieving ease of operation through self-service while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 solution allows for secure attachment and stabilization of the tubular gripping device to the wellbore pipe without external force, effectively restricting axial and rotational movements, enhancing the stability and accuracy of well construction processes.
Implementation Method 1
A self-locking tubular gripping device featuring a spring mechanism that passively grips the pipe without external force
Implementation Method 2
with additional mechanisms providing frictional and gripping forces to restrict axial and rotational movements
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular gripping device comprising an outer body, a self-locking mechanism, and a retainer member. The outer body defines an inner tubular cavity having a first inner diameter, a second inner diameter, a first load shoulder, and a second load shoulder. The first load shoulder tapers the first inner diameter down to second inner diameter at the second load shoulder. The second load shoulder acts as a stop at the second inner diameter. The self-locking is mechanism positioned substantially co-axially within the tubular cavity of the outer body and proximate the first inner diameter, the self-locking mechanism having a spring expanded and a spring released position. The retainer member has a first retainer position radially restraining the self-locking mechanism in the spring expanded position and a second retainer position allowing the self-locking mechanism to contract to the spring released position to grip an outer surface of a tubular member.