Single Joint Elevator Powered Door Jaw Retainer Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single joint elevators are unable to securely grip and lift tubular segments with integral connections, as they rely on circumferential shoulders that are absent in integral connections, limiting their versatility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A single joint elevator with pivotally coupled jaw retainers and a powered door mechanism, featuring a linear actuator assembly and linkage mechanism, allows for secure gripping and lifting of tubular segments with either integral or conventional connections by clamping the jaws with sufficient force and selectively opening to release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single joint elevators use circumferential shoulders to grip tubular segments, then they can securely grip tubular segments with conventional connections, but they cannot grip tubular segments with integral connections
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that can accommodate both conventional connections (with sleeves and shoulders) and integral connections (without sleeves). The jaw retainers with gripping surfaces can engage tubular segments at any position along their length, making the elevator versatile enough to handle different connection types without requiring separate specialized elevators for each connection method.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator is divided into separate functional components: jaw retainers with gripping surfaces for engaging the tubular segment, and a powered door mechanism for securing and releasing the grip. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the jaw retainers can adapt to different connection types while the powered door provides consistent securing force regardless of connection method.
2Extent of automation
If the powered door uses a linear actuator assembly with linkage mechanism, then automatic opening and closing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator assembly with linkage mechanism is designed to automatically perform the door opening and closing actions without requiring manual intervention. The actuator self-regulates the door position through its linkage mechanism, providing automatic securing and releasing functions that reduce operational complexity despite adding mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the linear actuator and the powered door, translating linear actuator motion into rotational door movement. This intermediary component enables automatic operation while distributing the mechanical complexity across separate functional elements rather than concentrating it in a single complex assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jaw retainers are pivotally coupled for movement between open and closed positions, then versatile gripping is enabled, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw retainers are designed with pivotal couplings that allow dynamic movement between open and closed positions. This dynamic capability enables the retainers to adapt to different tubular segment sizes and connection types while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation through straightforward hinge joints rather than complex adjustable mechanisms.
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 secure lifting and positioning of tubular segments with either type of connection, enhancing versatility and operational efficiency in drilling operations by providing a robust and adaptable gripping mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the linear actuator assembly selectively clamps the distal ends of the first and second jaw retainers with sufficient force for the jaws to grip and support the tubular segment
Implementation Method 2
a first jaw retainer having a proximal end pivotally coupled to a proximal end of a second jaw retainer for movement of the retainers between an opening position for receiving a tubular segment and a closed position for engaging the tubular segment
Implementation Method 3
the linear actuator assembly includes a fluid powered motor and a drive screw rotatably coupled to the fluid powered motor
Data Source
AI summary
A single joint elevator for releasably securing a tubular segment for hoisting the tubular segment into position to be threadably coupled to a pipe string suspended in a borehole. The elevator comprises two pivotally coupled jaw retainers securing jaws for engaging and gripping the tubular segment. A powered door is pivotally coupled to a first jaw retainer for selectively securing the second jaw retainer. The powered door includes a pivotable collar, a linear actuator assembly, and a linkage mechanism for selectively closing the door and clamping the distal end of the second jaw retainer to the distal end of the first jaw retainer. The actuator assembly clamps the jaw retainers with sufficient force for the jaws to grip and support the tubular segment for lifting.