Drilling Rig Feed Slide Mast Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore drilling rigs face challenges with outdated equipment, requiring time-consuming and costly dismantling and reassembly, especially due to large components and space limitations, and stability issues under difficult weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A drilling rig with a drill mast featuring a feed slide that allows for upward movement of segments, reducing the need for a crane system and enabling quick assembly and dismantling, along with a modular substructure that can be assembled in confined spaces and transported efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional crane system is used to erect the drilling mast, then the mast can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The feed slide system enables the drilling mast to erect itself by converting horizontal movement into vertical lifting, eliminating the need for external crane equipment. The mast segments are lifted by the feed slide's horizontal displacement through the rack and pinion mechanism, making the system self-sufficient during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional crane-based mechanical lifting system with a feed slide mechanism that uses horizontal movement to generate vertical lifting force through rack and pinion engagement. This substitution eliminates complex crane equipment while achieving the same mast erection function.
2Ease of manufacture
If large drilling mast components are transported to the site, then the mast can be assembled, but transport and assembly become time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling mast is divided into multiple transportable segments that can be assembled on-site. The feed slide system enables these segments to be connected and erected vertically through horizontal movement, making segmentation practical and efficient for both transport and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic assembly process where the feed slide horizontally moves to dynamically lift and position mast segments into their final vertical configuration. This dynamic mechanism allows flexible, on-site assembly without requiring heavy lifting equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If a telescopic drill mast is used to save space, then space requirements are reduced, but uniform guidance of feed slide and stability under difficult weather conditions are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical telescopic expansion to horizontal feed slide movement that generates vertical lifting. This dimensional change allows the mast to achieve compact storage while maintaining structural stability during operation, as the rigid segments are connected through the stable rack and pinion mechanism rather than telescopic joints.
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
Facilitates rapid and cost-effective assembly and dismantling of drilling rigs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and allowing operation in confined spaces and harsh weather conditions, while reducing the need for specialized equipment and minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the feed slide (60) has a carriage in the longitudinal direction (Z) of the drill mast (50) and at least one gear wheel, by means of which the feed slide (60) can be moved in the longitudinal direction (Z) on the drill mast (50)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drilling rig that is provided for mounting on a drilling platform, comprising a drilling mast having at least two segments and a feed carriage, said drilling mast being built in such a manner that at least one segment is displaced in an upward manner by means of the feed carriage. The invention also relates to a mounting method for a drilling mast having at least two segments, consisting of the following steps: a feed carriage is fixed, a mast segment is provided below the feed carriage and said mast segment is displaced in an upward manner by the feed carriage. Due to this, additional auxiliary devices for building the drilling mast are not required thus saving space.