Tool Joint Clamp Cam Mechanism Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Threaded connections in the oil and gas industry often face issues with over-torquing or under-torquing due to friction and torque resistance, leading to potential damage and difficulty in breaking connections, which existing joint clamps struggle to address effectively by preventing slippage under high torque loads.
Innovation Solution
A tool joint clamp system comprising a clamp assembly with die carriers and a stop ring, where the stop ring has internal splines engaging external splines on tubulars, and a cam surface and follower mechanism that urge die carriers to apply increased radial force when torque is applied, preventing additional torque from being transferred to the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional joint clamps are used to prevent over-torquing, then connection torque control is improved, but clamp slippage under high torque loads causes the solution to be ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly transitions from a static gripping mechanism to a dynamic one where the gripping force automatically increases with applied torque. The cam surface and follower mechanism convert the torque load into increased radial clamping force, making the clamp more effective precisely when torque increases, rather than failing under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly uses the torque applied to the connection itself to generate the clamping force needed to prevent slippage. The cam surface and follower mechanism are designed so that torque rotation automatically drives the die carriers to apply greater radial force, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for external control mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed clamp assemblies are used to prevent torque transfer, then connection integrity is improved, but the clamps cannot adapt to varying torque loads and experience slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The die carriers are designed with cam surfaces and followers that enable automatic adjustment of the clamping force in response to varying torque loads. As torque increases, the cam mechanism drives the die carriers to apply proportionally greater radial force, allowing the clamp to adapt dynamically to different operating conditions while maintaining stable connection integrity.
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 system effectively prevents over-torquing and under-torquing by maintaining a consistent torque load on threaded connections, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the disconnection process by transferring torque as a radial force, thereby maintaining connection integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A cam surface and cam follower are positioned between the clamp assembly and the stop ring, with the cam surface and cam follower configured to urge the die carriers toward the clamp assembly's centerline when relative torque is applied between the clamp assembly and the stop ring.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool joint clamp which includes a clamp assembly and a stop ring. The clamp assembly has at least two die carriers, with each die carrier having a translating and pivoting link between the die carriers such that the die carriers may move toward and away from a centerline of the clamp assembly. The stop ring includes a ring body having a central aperture forming an internal sidewall, with at least a portion of the internal sidewall having splines. A cam surface and cam follower are positioned between the clamp assembly and the stop ring, with the cam surface and cam follower configured to urge the die carriers toward the clamp assembly's centerline when relative torque is applied between the clamp assembly and the stop ring.