BOP Locking Assembly With Dual Gears for Balanced Remote Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blowout preventer (BOP) systems lack efficient remote locking mechanisms that can reliably actuate between open and closed configurations without human intervention, particularly in offshore drilling operations, where continuous and smooth torque application is crucial for maintaining well control and safety.
Innovation Solution
A remote locking system for BOPs that includes a motor-driven gear assembly with interlocking belts and gears, allowing the locking mechanism to transition between unlocked and locked configurations using substantially the same pressure, enabling remote operation and maintaining well control through electronic control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote locking system is implemented for BOP operations, then operational safety and well control are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the motor assembly and the BOP actuation system. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that engages with a rack gear, providing a mechanical interface that translates rotational motion into linear locking motion while isolating the control system from direct mechanical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motor-driven system. A motor assembly with gear reduction mechanisms substitutes for manual cranking or hydraulic actuation, enabling remote electronic control of the locking function while maintaining mechanical reliability.
2Reliability
If continuous torque application is required for smooth BOP actuation, then operational reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly operates in periodic cycles rather than continuous operation. The motor activates only during locking and unlocking transitions, then remains stationary during the locked state. This periodic operation maintains smooth actuation while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous motor rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system uses a composite approach combining motor-driven rotation with mechanical gear reduction and belt transmission. This hybrid system leverages the advantages of both powered and passive mechanical elements to achieve smooth, controlled motion with optimized energy usage.
3Ease of operation
If dual motor gears with different sizes are used to achieve same pressure in both directions, then operational symmetry is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately uses asymmetric gear sizes (different diameter drive gears for clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation) to achieve symmetric operational pressure. The larger gear rotates in one direction while the smaller gear rotates in the opposite direction, and their different tooth counts and diameters are specifically selected to produce equal pressure magnitudes in both rotational directions despite the asymmetric physical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously - gear diameter, gear tooth count, and belt transmission ratios - to compensate for the asymmetric gear sizes. By adjusting these parameters in combination, the system achieves the goal of equal pressure in both directions while maintaining the asymmetric physical configuration of the gears.
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
Enables efficient and continuous remote locking and unlocking of BOPs, ensuring reliable well control and safety by allowing the BOP to actuate between open and closed configurations without manual intervention, even in challenging offshore environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first belt wrapped at least partially around the smaller motor gear and the larger lock gear. The first belt is configured to transmit torque from the smaller motor gear to the larger lock gear
Data Source
AI summary
A locking assembly includes a first motor gear configured to be rotated in a first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second motor gear configured to be rotated in a second direction. The locking assembly also includes a first lock gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first motor gear rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second lock gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second motor gear rotating in the second direction. The locking assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first lock gear rotating in the first direction, and to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second lock gear rotating in the second direction.