Articulating Grasshopper Arm Cable Tray Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cable-tray systems on land-based drilling rigs, known as 'grasshoppers,' are fixed and require disassembly and reinstallation each time the rig is moved, limiting mobility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An articulating grasshopper arm with a pivotably coupled cable tray that allows movement in multiple dimensions, enabling the cable tray to pivot upward, downward, laterally, and telescopic extension, allowing it to adapt to different positions relative to the drilling rig and power generation equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cable tray is fixed to the drilling rig, then the structural stability is improved, but the mobility and relocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic, articulating structure that can pivot and articulate relative to the drilling rig. The pivot points enable the cable tray to move and adapt its position, allowing the rig to be relocated without disassembly while maintaining structural stability during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cable tray is fixed in position, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray incorporates pivot points that allow it to articulate and adapt to different positions relative to the drilling rig. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate various rig positions and orientations without requiring complex disassembly or reinstallation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tray is divided into segmented sections connected by pivot points, allowing each segment to move independently. This segmentation provides flexibility in positioning while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable tray is disassembled for relocation, then the mobility is improved, but the loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating design with pivot points allows the cable tray to remain assembled while accommodating rig relocation. The flexible connection enables the tray to adapt to new positions without requiring disassembly, significantly reducing relocation time and maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating grasshopper arm includes a cable tray. The cable tray is pivotably coupled to a drilling rig by at least one pivot point. The pivot point is adapted to allow the cable tray to pivot upward and downward as well as laterally right and left relative to the drilling rig.