Drilling Rig Antenna Lifting Device Using Articulated Parallelogram
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil well drilling rigs face inefficiencies due to the high power requirements of cable linkages and limited lifting capacities of hydraulic pistons, leading to complex and time-consuming assembly and disassembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A drilling rig with a lifting device featuring an articulated parallelogram structure, rocker arms, and a variable thrust head hydraulic cylinder, allowing for efficient lifting and alignment of a telescopic antenna onto a work platform, enabling faster and more precise assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cable linkages are used to lift the telescopic antenna, then the antenna can be lifted to the work platform, but considerable power is required and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable linkage system from the lifting mechanism and replaces it with a direct mechanical linkage system consisting of rockers and a hydraulic cylinder. This extraction of the problematic cable system eliminates the high power requirements and structural complexity associated with cables while maintaining the lifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the cable-based mechanical system with a rigid linkage system comprising rockers connected to the antenna and a hydraulic cylinder. This substitution provides a more efficient mechanical advantage, reducing power consumption and simplifying the overall structure by eliminating cables and pulleys.
2Force
If hydraulic pistons with sufficient lifting capacity are used, then the telescopic antenna can be lifted to the work platform, but structures of considerable dimensions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage system with rockers that change the mechanical advantage during the lifting stroke. As the antenna rises, the rockers adjust the leverage ratio, allowing a smaller hydraulic cylinder to achieve the required lifting force without needing an oversized structure. The system adapts its mechanical advantage dynamically throughout the motion range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the vertical dimension of the rocker arms to create mechanical advantage. By positioning the hydraulic cylinder to act on the rockers at strategic points, the system converts a small linear displacement of the cylinder into a large vertical lift of the antenna, reducing the overall structural dimensions required.
3Productivity
If the telescopic antenna is lifted using traditional methods, then it can be positioned vertically on the work platform, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fixing eyelets at the lower end of the telescopic antenna in advance, aligned with corresponding hinges on the work platform. The linkage system is pre-configured so that when the hydraulic cylinder actuates the rockers, the antenna automatically swings into its vertical working position with the fixing eyelets ready to engage with the hinges, eliminating the need for manual positioning and reducing assembly time.
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
The solution enables quicker installation and disassembly of the drilling rig, allowing the telescopic antenna to be transported in a collapsed state, facilitating easier handling and reducing non-productive time by minimizing the need for large structures and high power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one linear actuator with a variable thrust head which may be interposed between the telescopic antenna and the deck in order to activate the moving structure and lift the telescopic antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A Rig (1) for drilling or maintaining oil wells includes a base structure (2) which is provided with a support platform (3) on the ground and a raised work platform (5). A deck (6) is co-planar to and integral with the support platform (3) and is suitable for housing a trailer (7). A telescopic antenna (8) is provided with two fixing eyelets (9) which are arranged at the lower end of the telescopic antenna (8) in order to be hinged to the work platform (5). A lifting device (10) is suitable for lifting the telescopic antenna (8) from a transport position, in which it reposes on a transporter (7) with the two fixing eyelets (9) at a lower level than the level of the work platform (5), to a working position, in which it is vertically arranged on the work platform (5) with the fixing eyelets (9) hinged to the work platform (5). The lifting device (10) is provided with a moving articulated parallelogram structure provided with at least two rocker arms (11) hinged to the telescopic antenna (8) and which are hingeable to the deck (6), and with at least one linear actuator (12) with a variable thrust head which may be interposed between the telescopic antenna (8) and the deck (6) to activate the moving structure (10′) and lift the telescopic antenna (8).