Torque Wrench Synchronizes Gripping Force with Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oilfield tubular torque wrenches face issues with independent control of gripping force and torque, leading to potential slipping and damage, and require frequent die changes due to limited gripping stroke when tubular diameters vary.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench design featuring a rotating assembly with bevel pinion and ring gear mechanisms that synchronizes gripping force with torque, using interchangeable die assemblies to accommodate different tubular diameters, ensuring a pre-determined correlation between torque and gripping force for slip-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic pressure is used to grip the tubular, then high torque can be applied, but gripping force becomes independent of torque which causes slipping and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from independent hydraulic pressure control to synchronized torque-gripping force control. The cam profile mechanism ensures that gripping force is directly proportional to torque through geometric constraint, eliminating the independence problem and preventing slipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile acts as a mechanical feedback mechanism that automatically adjusts gripping force based on torque application. As torque increases, the cam geometry inherently increases gripping force proportionally, providing continuous feedback control without external intervention.
2Reliability
If cam profiles are used to grip the tubular, then gripping force and torque are correlated, but gripping stroke is limited requiring frequent die changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cam profile mechanism where the cam radius and angle can be adjusted to change the gripping stroke length. This allows the same basic mechanism to accommodate different tubular diameters by modifying cam dimensions, eliminating the need for frequent die changes while maintaining the reliable torque-gripping force correlation.
3Power
If friction grip is used between dies and tubular, then torque transfer is achieved, but gripping force must be independently controlled which leads to slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torque application and gripping force generation into a single integrated cam profile mechanism. The cam profile simultaneously controls both torque transmission and gripping force, ensuring they remain proportional and eliminating the need for independent control systems.
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 provides a reliable and adjustable mechanism that ensures proportional gripping force and torque, preventing damage and allowing for longer gripping strokes without the need for frequent die changes, enhancing operational efficiency in oilfield applications.
Implementation Method 1
a bevel pinion carrier assembly comprising a bevel pinion carrier and a bevel pinion mounted in the bevel pinion carrier; an upper ring gear fixed to an upper bevel gear rotatably connected to the bevel pinion at an upper side of the bevel pinion carrier; a lower ring gear fixed to a lower bevel gear rotatably connected to the bevel pinion at a lower side of the bevel pinion carrier
Implementation Method 2
first and second members threadably coupleable with each other, the first threadably coupleable member fixedly connected to the bevel pinion and the second threadably coupleable member drivingly connected to the die assembly
Implementation Method 3
the torque transfer from the wrench to the tubular has to be achieved through friction grip between the wrench's dies and the tubular itself
Data Source
AI summary
A torque wrench is provided. The torque wrench has housing and a rotating assembly rotatably mounted in the housing. The rotating assembly has a gripping assembly with an aperture for receiving a tubular and a plurality of die assemblies; a bevel pinion carrier assembly with a bevel pinion carrier and a bevel pinion mounted in the bevel pinion carrier; an upper ring gear fixed to an upper bevel gear rotatably connected to the bevel pinion at an upper side of the bevel pinion carrier; a lower ring gear fixed to a lower bevel gear rotatably connected to the bevel pinion at a lower side of the bevel pinion carrier; and first and second members threadably coupleable with each other, the first threadably coupleable member fixedly connected to the bevel pinion and the second threadably coupleable member drivingly connected to the die assembly, wherein rotation of the bevel pinion drives the die assembly toward and away from the tubular.