Articulated Drilling Tool Handler Reduces Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated handling apparatuses for drilling equipment are prone to wear and tear, require excessive space, pose safety hazards due to numerous linkages and rotational members, and are costly to fabricate and maintain, while also risking damage to drilling rig structures and equipment.
Innovation Solution
An articulated handling apparatus with a minimal number of linkages and rotational members, utilizing hydraulic or pneumatic actuators as main load-bearing elements, and featuring a base rotatably connected to the drill floor, with sets of arms and a carrier assembly that allows for horizontal and vertical movement of drilling tools, distributing cantilever load effectively and minimizing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional articulated handling apparatus with numerous linkages and rotational members is used, then the drilling tool can be moved between positions, but the apparatus is prone to wear and tear and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes numerous linkages and rotational members from the articulated handling apparatus, retaining only the essential base and carrier assembly. This extraction of non-essential components eliminates wear-prone elements while preserving the core functionality of moving drilling tools between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple passive linkages to achieve movement, the patent inverts the approach by using active actuators (hydraulic or pneumatic) to directly drive the carrier assembly. This inversion from passive mechanical linkages to active actuated systems reduces wear and maintenance requirements.
2Ease of operation
If floor-mounted tracks are used to move power tong or roughneck, then the equipment can be transported, but the tracks create tripping hazards and occupy excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical floor-mounted track system with an articulated handling apparatus that operates on the drill floor without requiring tracks. The base with carrier assembly moves equipment through articulated motion rather than rolling on tracks, eliminating tripping hazards and space occupation issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If C-shaped mechanism with pivotal hanging is used to swing the tong or roughneck, then the unit can be positioned, but the weight of the unit restricts vertical positioning and reach-out capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic articulated mechanism with actuators that can actively adjust the position and reach of the carrier assembly. Unlike the static C-shaped mechanism constrained by weight, the articulated system with hydraulic or pneumatic actuators can dynamically extend reach and adjust vertical positioning regardless of the loaded weight.
4Length of moving object
If telescopic arm driven by hydraulic cylinder is used, then the carrying device can extend reach, but the device requires extra space and is costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reaching function into a compact articulated mechanism with base and carrier assembly connected by articulated linkages. This segmented design achieves extended reach without requiring a single long telescopic arm, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reach capability.
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 reduces wear and tear, minimizes the risk of equipment damage, improves safety by avoiding tripping hazards, and simplifies maintenance, while allowing efficient and precise positioning of drilling tools in limited spaces without damaging rig structures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator connected to at least one of the first and second sets of arms for moving the carrier assembly between a stowed position and a deployed position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing hydraulic or pneumatic actuators as main load-bearing elements
Implementation Method 3
a base rotatably connected to the drill floor
Data Source
AI summary
An articulated apparatus for handling a drilling to has a base, a first set of arms pivotally connected at one end to the base and extending outwardly therefrom, a joint member pivotally connected to an opposite end of the first set of arms, a second set of arms pivotally connected at one end of to the joint member and extending outwardly therefrom, and a carrier assembly pivotally connected to an opposite end of the second set of arms. The carrier assembly is suitable for carrying the drilling tool so as to allow the drilling tool to move upwardly and downwardly. A drive system is cooperative with the first and second sets of arms so as to move the drilling tool between a stowed position and a deployed position.