Automatic Driller Brake Handle Elastic Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an automatic driller that can accurately and efficiently control a rotating primary mover by repeatedly returning a manual brake handle to a set position within its effective stroke, which is essential for precise control of drilling equipment like drawworks drums during oil or water well drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

The automatic driller employs a combination of elastic means, including a first and second elastic mechanism, a swivel bracket, and an adjustment stem assembly to maintain and adjust the manual brake handle at a set point within the effective stroke, ensuring precise control of the rotating primary mover by applying and counteracting tension forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual brake handle is used to control the rotating primary mover, then the operator can directly control the braking force, but the brake handle cannot automatically return to a set position within the effective stroke

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control capabilityVSAvoidbrake handle position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic driller implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the brake handle position and automatically adjusts it back to the predetermined set position within the effective stroke. The elastic means provide restoring force that acts as a feedback mechanism to return the handle to the correct position after manual operation, ensuring precise position control without requiring constant manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs elastic means (springs) that automatically return the brake handle to its set position without requiring additional manual intervention. The elastic restoration force self-corrects the handle position, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for operator attention to maintain proper brake handle positioning within the effective stroke.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Force

If the brake handle is moved beyond the set position to increase braking force, then more braking power is applied, but the handle must be manually returned to the set position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking forceVSAvoidtime to return handle to set position

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic driller creates a periodic action cycle where the brake handle is manually moved to apply braking force as needed, then automatically returns to the set position through the elastic restoration mechanism. This periodic manual operation followed by automatic reset eliminates continuous manual adjustment and reduces the time lost in returning the handle, as the elastic means continuously exert restoring force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic means (springs) provide self-service by automatically returning the brake handle to its set position after manual displacement for braking. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually reset the handle, converting a time-consuming manual task into an automatic self-correcting process that reduces operational time and increases efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the effective stroke is increased to provide greater control range, then more braking force can be applied, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking control rangeVSAvoidbrake handle mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic driller utilizes parameter changes in the elastic means (spring constants, pre-loads) to provide different levels of restoring force that correspond to different positions within the extended effective stroke. By adjusting elastic parameters rather than adding mechanical complexity, the system achieves greater control range while maintaining relatively simple device architecture. The elastic means can be tuned to provide appropriate force characteristics across the extended stroke range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for precise control of drilling equipment, reducing the risk of accidents by automatically adjusting the brake handle to a set point, ensuring consistent operation and adapting to varying load weights and rotational velocities, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A first elastic means provides a first tension to the manual brake handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic tension: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A second elastic means provides a counter tension to the manual brake handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic counter tension: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

activate the braking system enough to create a friction force on a rotating primary mover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7537066B1Automatic driller

Publication Date: 2009.05.26 LETOURNEAU TECHNOLOGIES DRILLING SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An automatic driller for controlling a rotating primary mover. The automatic driller has a manual brake handle. The manual brake handle has a stroke. A first elastic means applies a first tension to the manual brake handle. A swivel bracket is connected to the first elastic means. The first elastic means provides a first tension onto the swivel bracket.