Automated Drilling Arrangement for Pipe Threading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling rigs are labor-intensive and dangerous due to the need for human intervention in threading and unthreading drill pipe sections, which requires proper alignment and can lead to injuries or fatalities.

Innovation Solution

An automated drilling arrangement that includes a platform with a drill pipe loading assembly and a drilling mast equipped with a rotary head drive and a drill pipe manipulator. The drill pipe manipulator automatically receives, aligns, and connects drill pipe sections with the drill string, enabling automated and accurate threading without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated drilling is implemented, then productivity and safety are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for automated threading and alignment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling speedVSAvoidautomated threading mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the drill pipe sections, providing automated alignment and positioning assistance during the threading operation. This mediator component enables automated drilling by bridging the gap between manual handling and fully automated connection, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining productivity gains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The drill pipe sections are designed with self-aligning features that automatically position the threads for connection without requiring complex external positioning systems. The pipe sections themselves provide part of the alignment function through their geometry and positioning features, reducing the overall system complexity while enabling automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automated threading is implemented, then labor intensity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment without human monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreading operation easeVSAvoidthreading alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Manual alignment operations are replaced with automated positioning mechanisms that use mechanical guides, alignment features, and controlled movement systems to achieve precise thread alignment. This substitution eliminates the need for human monitoring while maintaining high precision through engineered mechanical systems rather than human skill

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls critical parameters such as position, orientation, and movement speed of the drill pipe sections during threading. By precisely controlling these parameters through automated systems, the invention achieves consistent high-precision alignment without requiring human intervention or varying operator skill levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250154837A1Automated drilling arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 MOHIDEEN FARLIN ANOOZ

AI summary

Provided is an automated drilling arrangement comprising a platform, a drill pipe loading assembly arranged on the platform and including a cradle for receiving a drill pipe section, and a handler assembly configured automatically to displace and orientate said drill pipe section from the cradle into an upright position for engagement with a drill string. Arrangement also includes a drilling mast arranged on the platform and comprising a rotary head drive displaceable along the mast to effect drilling, and a drill pipe manipulator configured automatically to receive, align and connect said section of drill pipe from the handler assembly with a drill string of the rotary head drive to facilitate automated drilling by the automated drilling arrangement.