360-Degree Shoulder Elevator with Self-Balancing Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoulder elevators in oil well drilling suffer from instability, tilting, and limited versatility due to inadequate support and sizing, leading to increased risk of failure, rig time, and drilling costs.
Innovation Solution
A 360-degree rotating shoulder elevator with fully rotatable semi-circular jaws, aligning links, hanger spindles, a latching mechanism, and interchangeable bushings to securely lift and support pipes of varying sizes, ensuring complete circumference contact and balanced operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional shoulder elevators with pivoting jaws are used, then the elevator can lift pipe segments, but the elevator cants or tilts when jaws are opened due to center of gravity shift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight by positioning the hinge plate and its components (alignment link, bail, hanger) centrally at the elevator's center of gravity. This central positioning creates a balanced system where the weight of the hinge plate assembly counteracts the moment created by opening jaws, preventing cant or tilt of the elevator body during operation.
2Reliability
If elevator doors are designed to close around tubular, then support is provided, but door failure occurs due to inadequate design or incomplete contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function by using multiple jaws (typically three or more) distributed around the circumference instead of a single door structure. Each jaw provides independent support contact with the tubular collar, distributing the load and eliminating the single-point failure mode of traditional door designs. The jaws can be positioned at different angular locations to ensure complete circumferential support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing each jaw with specific geometric features (such as curved inner surfaces or adjustable positioning) that optimize contact with the local geometry of the tubular collar. The jaws can be tailored to match the specific curvature and dimensions of different collar types, ensuring complete contact and load distribution across the engagement interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elevators are sized for specific pipe diameter, then lifting capacity is optimized, but versatility is reduced requiring multiple elevators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the jaw assembly to accommodate multiple tubular sizes through adjustable or interchangeable components. The hinge plate configuration, jaw length, and inner jaw geometry can be modified to match different collar outer diameters. This allows a single elevator design to serve multiple pipe sizes (e.g., 4-1/2 inch, 5 inch, 5-1/2 inch casings) without requiring separate dedicated elevators for each size.
4Reliability
If tubular collar is not fully supported, then elevator structure is simpler, but eccentric loading increases failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function by using multiple jaws (typically three or more) distributed around the circumference instead of a single door structure. Each jaw provides independent support contact with the tubular collar, distributing the load and eliminating the single-point failure mode of traditional door designs. The jaws can be positioned at different angular locations to ensure complete circumferential support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function by having all jaws work together as a unified system to provide complete circumferential support of the tubular collar. The hinge plate connects all jaws to a common central pivot point, ensuring they move together in unison and maintain proper spacing. This unified approach distributes the load evenly around the collar, preventing eccentric loading and enhancing safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-balancing, shoulder type elevator is comprised of two opposing jaws pivotally connected to a hinge plate. The jaws are engaged for rotation at the hinge plate by corresponding sets of gear teeth. Hangers on the jaws attach the elevator to suspending bails. An offset alignment linkage pivotally attaches each jaw to the hinge plate and a rotatable spindles pivotally attached perpendicular to the jaws. The alignment linkage maintains the spindles angularly congruent in orientation with the bails when the opposing jaws are pivoted open and closed.