Articulating Cable Trolley Beam for Rigging Downtime Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable management systems in oilfield drilling rigs require frequent assembly and disassembly of trolley systems, leading to increased downtime during rigging and de-rigging operations, as they need to be connected and disconnected from equipment, which hampers efficiency and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A cable handling apparatus featuring articulating arms hingedly coupled to trolley beams and wellsite equipment, allowing the trolley beams to be repositioned between retracted and extended positions, enabling modular transportation and assembly without additional equipment, and allowing trolley beams to be coupled end-to-end for continuous cable support without removal during operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional fixed trolley beam sections are used, then cable support is provided, but frequent assembly and disassembly is required during rigging and de-rigging operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly operationVSAvoidrigging and de-rigging downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the trolley beam articulating and repositionable between extended and retracted positions. The articulating arm allows the beam to dynamically adjust its configuration, enabling it to be transported in a compact retracted state and deployed in an extended operational state, eliminating the need for frequent assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The trolley beam is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both transportation and operational functions into a single structure. The articulating arm enables the beam to serve dual purposes: transporting in a retracted configuration and providing cable support in an extended configuration, reducing the need for separate assembly and disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If trolley beams are transported separately from wellsite equipment, then modular transportation is achieved, but additional equipment and time are required for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular transportationVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the trolley beam with the wellsite equipment by hingedly coupling the articulating arm to the equipment frame. This integration allows the beam to be transported as part of the equipment assembly, eliminating the need for separate transportation and subsequent assembly of the beam with the equipment, thereby reducing device complexity in the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If trolley beams are disconnected during de-rigging, then equipment can be moved, but cable support is interrupted and downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime during de-rigging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The articulating arm provides dynamic repositioning capability, allowing the beam to be quickly moved between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic adjustment enables rapid deployment and retraction without requiring complete disconnection and reconnection of the beam, maintaining cable support continuity and reducing downtime during operational transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces rig-up and rig-down downtime by allowing trolley beams to be transported and assembled with wellsite equipment, providing continuous cable support without the need for additional transportation or disconnection, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

The articulating arm is hingedly coupled to the trolley beam, and the articulating arm is hingedly coupled to a piece of wellsite equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9353601B2Articulation festoon cabling beams

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 NABORS DRILLING USA

AI summary

The cable handling apparatus includes a trolley beam, where the trolley beam is adapted to allow a cable trolley to slide thereon and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is hingedly coupled to the trolley beam, and the articulating arm is hingedly coupled to a piece of wellsite equipment. The articulating arm is repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position.