Carousel Drill Stem Loader for Fast, Precise Well Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and labor-intensive process of drilling wells for geothermal energy systems, particularly in non-rocky terrain, are hindered by the manual assembly and positioning of drill stems and shroud tubes, which also contribute to noise pollution and require multiple operators.

Innovation Solution

A compact, carousel-type drill stem and shroud tube loader that automates the loading and positioning of modules, using a sliding belt or chain mechanism with chucks and clamps to ensure precise alignment and vertical stability, allowing for single-operator operation and reduced noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual assembly and positioning of drill stems and shroud tubes is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling speedVSAvoidloader complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loader is divided into modular components: a carousel structure with multiple positions, interchangeable chucks for different drill stem sizes, and separate shroud tube positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex loading function to be broken down into manageable modules that can be independently maintained and replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automated loader performs positioning and alignment functions that would otherwise require multiple operators. The system uses self-aligning chucks and automated positioning mechanisms to reduce human intervention, with the machine serving its own loading and positioning needs automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If multiple operators are used for assembly and positioning, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly timeVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Drill stems and shroud tubes are pre-positioned on the carousel loader before drilling begins. The carousel is pre-loaded with multiple drill stems in sequence, and shroud tubes are pre-positioned at designated locations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for operators to assemble components during the drilling process, significantly reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical assembly by operators is replaced with an automated mechanical loading system. The carousel mechanism automatically presents drill stems to the drilling position, and automated positioning devices align shroud tubes, replacing the need for manual assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If traditional loading mechanisms are used, then noise emissions are reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading speedVSAvoidnoise pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The noisy elements of traditional loading mechanisms (manual handling, impact driving, heavy mechanical engagement) are extracted and replaced with quieter automated positioning systems. The carousel loader uses controlled mechanical engagement rather than impact-based loading, significantly reducing noise while maintaining loading speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If drill stems and shroud tubes are positioned manually, then alignment precision is achieved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidpositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Manual alignment operations are replaced with automated positioning mechanisms. The carousel loader incorporates alignment guides and positioning devices that automatically orient drill stems and shroud tubes correctly, eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Alignment guides and positioning fixtures act as intermediaries between the stored drill stems/shroud tubes and the drilling position. These intermediary devices ensure precise alignment without requiring manual adjustment, automatically guiding components into the correct orientation during the loading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2016255B1Drilling machine with carousel-type drill stem and shroud tube loader

Publication Date: 2010.07.07 COMACCHIO INT

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Figure 2a~2b
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AI summary

The drilling machine, particularly for use in non- rocky terrain, comprising a machine body with a mast (M) equipped with one or more rotary operating heads (Rl, R2) with chucks (Ql, Q2) for the downward rotation of drill stem modules (A) and/or shroud tube modules (T) , and a carousel loader (C) of said drill stem modules (A) , each inserted in a shroud tube module (T) , and carried on a sliding platform (S) .