Adjustable Rear Leg Connection for Beam Pumping Unit Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistent assembly processes in walking beam pumping units can lead to the rear leg of the Samson post contacting the horizontal surface at an angle, causing excessive shear and tensile forces on bolts, which may result in bolt failure due to exceeding design ratings.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable rear leg connection system within the Samson post, allowing for rotational and linear adjustments to ensure proper seating of the rear leg on the pedestal, reducing stress on bolts and enhancing assembly precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the rear leg is rigidly fixed at a predetermined angle during assembly, then the assembly process is simple and quick, but the rear leg may contact the pedestal at an angle causing excessive bolt stress and potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidbolt failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rear leg is designed with an adjustable connection mechanism that allows it to transition from a fixed angular position during assembly to a precisely adjustable position during installation. The connection bracket includes multiple adjustment holes and positioning features that enable the rear leg to be rotated and shifted to achieve proper alignment with the pedestal, eliminating the rigidity problem while maintaining assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the angular parameter of the rear leg connection by providing multiple adjustment holes at different angles and positions on the connection bracket. This allows the installation angle of the rear leg to be adjusted based on actual alignment requirements, transforming the fixed parameter into a variable one that can be optimized for proper seating on the pedestal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the rear leg is made adjustable to ensure proper seating, then bolt stress is reduced and reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebolt failure riskVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the connection bracket with adjustment holes, the rear leg with positioning features, and the fastening system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The adjustment holes are strategically positioned to provide necessary alignment options without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive adjustment features such as pre-drilled adjustment holes and basic fastening elements rather than complex adjustable mechanisms. These simple features provide sufficient adjustment capability for proper alignment while keeping the overall device complexity low and maintenance requirements minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of the rear leg is required for proper alignment, then seating accuracy is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating accuracyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection bracket is pre-designed with multiple adjustment holes positioned at optimal angles and locations based on anticipated alignment requirements. This preliminary preparation of adjustment options eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during assembly, as the proper alignment position is already built into the structure, allowing for quick selection and fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10941761B2Rear leg connection for beam pumping unit
Publication Date: 2021.03.09 RAVDOS HOLDINGS INC
  • US10941761B2 patent drawing
  • US10941761B2 patent drawing
  • US10941761B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pump jack includes a base, a pedestal supported by the base and a Samson post that supports a walking beam. The Samson post includes a front leg that is supported by the base and a connection bracket affixed to the front leg. The Samson post further includes an adjustable rear leg that is connected between the connection bracket and the pedestal. The rear leg can be rotated and shifted up and down within the connection bracket to ensure that the opposite end of the rear leg is properly located on the pedestal.