Patent attributes
A gripper mechanism for a downhole tool is disclosed that includes a linkage mechanism. In operation, an axial force generated by a power section of the gripper expands the linkage mechanism, which applies a radial force to the interior surface of a wellbore or passage. For certain expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted from a roller-ramp interface expanding the linkage. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily provided by expansion of the linkage, in which during a first stage the expansion force is primarily provided by a first link and during a second stage the expansion force is primarily provided by a second link. Thus, the gripper can provide a desired expansion force over a large range of expansion diameters.
