Interchangeable Cylinder Segments for Variable Pipe Diameter Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding pipes of varying diameters in elevator systems for oil platforms are not easily retrofittable and cannot secure pipes under load, as they are typically configured for a single pipe size and lack the ability to open under load when faced with different pipe sizes.
Innovation Solution
The device uses interchangeable cylinder segments with rear guide profiles and profile rails, connected via retaining rings, and a spring-loaded actuating arm with a load sensor to ensure secure holding and load-dependent locking, allowing for in-situ adaptation to different pipe diameters and automatic closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device is configured for a single pipe size, then the structural integrity and locking reliability are ensured, but the adaptability to different pipe diameters is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder liner is divided into multiple interchangeable cylinder segments that can be arranged in different configurations. Each segment contains guide profiles and retaining elements that allow them to be swapped to accommodate various pipe diameters while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder segments are designed with universal guide profiles and retaining elements that enable the same basic structure to serve multiple functions by accommodating different pipe diameters. The segments can be interchangeably arranged in the basic element and door element to adapt to various pipe sizes.
2Ease of operation
If the device allows opening movement under load, then the ease of operation for different pipe sizes is improved, but the reliability of securing pipes under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where the door element can be opened for loading pipes and then automatically closes and locks under load. The hydraulic adjusting cylinder enables controlled opening movement, while the closure element with closure pin provides reliable locking when the pipe is in position and under load.
Solution Approach 2:
A load sensor detects when the pipe is properly positioned and under load, providing feedback to the hydraulic controlling means. This feedback signal triggers the automatic closing and locking of the door element, ensuring that the device only secures pipes when they are properly loaded, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling easy operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device is retrofittable in situ, then the ease of manufacture and installation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder segments are designed as separate, interchangeable units with standardized guide profiles and retaining elements. This segmentation allows the segments to be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations during in-situ retrofitting, simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide profiles and retaining elements are integrated within the cylinder segments in a nested arrangement, where the guide profiles fit into corresponding rails and the retaining elements secure the segments to the basic element and door element. This nested design enables compact packaging and straightforward installation during retrofitting.
4Reliability
If the locking is load-dependent, then the reliability of pipe securing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A load sensor is integrated into the hydraulic controlling means to detect the load condition, providing feedback that automatically triggers the closing and locking actions. This feedback mechanism enables load-dependent locking without requiring complex manual control systems, as the sensor automatically senses when the pipe is properly loaded and activates the appropriate response.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic adjusting cylinder and closure mechanism are designed to automatically close and lock when the load sensor detects that the pipe is properly positioned and under load. The system serves itself by using the load condition to automatically activate the closing and locking functions, eliminating the need for complex external 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
This solution enables easy retrofitting for various pipe sizes and ensures secure holding under load, reducing the time and effort required for changes and preventing accidental opening, while maintaining the device's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded actuating arm which, by reception of pipes in the cylinder liner and of an occurring load, is adjustable in the height thereof
Implementation Method 2
the closing movement is controllable via an associated hydraulic adjusting cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A device for vertically holding pipes for elevator systems on oil drilling platforms has a basic element with a pivotable door element. A closing movement for forming a cylinder liner is carried out by a lockable adjusting cylinder. The cylinder liner is formed by interchangeable cylinder segments to form a cylinder liner of different size diameters in the basic element and door element. The cylinder segments are arranged interchangeably via rear guide profiles and associated profile rails in the basic element and door element. Upper sides of the cylinder segments are connected to corresponding receptacles via retaining rings which are able to be pushed on horizontally. By receiving pipes in the cylinder liner and an occurring load, a spring-loaded actuating arm is adjustable in height via a cylinder segment. Locking of the hydraulic adjusting cylinder for the closing movement is controllable via an associated load sensor.