Drilling Rig Mast Articulation for Height and Depth Tradeoffs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drill rigs face design tradeoffs due to the use of a single geometric design for both short and long mast configurations, limiting their ability to achieve maximum drill depth while minimizing height in areas with overhead obstructions, and requiring multiple detachable or foldable elements for transport.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a mast articulation mechanism, an elongated mast, and a mast positioning actuator supported by a removable mounting element, allowing the mast to pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, and enabling repositioning to change the articulation direction, thereby allowing the same drill rig to operate in both short and long mast configurations without the need for detachable elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single geometric design is used for both short and long mast configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as the rig cannot achieve both maximum drill depth and minimum height requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mast structure is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between short and long configurations. The mast positioning actuator enables the mast to pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, allowing the same structure to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single mast structure serves multiple functions by being capable of operating in both short mast configuration (for low headroom areas) and long mast configuration (for maximum drill depth). The removable mounting element and articulation mechanism enable this universal functionality from a single design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detachable or foldable elements are used to achieve both short and long mast configurations, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mast structure is divided into segments that can be reconfigured. The removable mounting element allows separation and reattachment of mast components, enabling transition between short and long configurations. This segmentation provides adaptability while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast elements are designed to nest within each other when in horizontal position for transport. The elongated mast can be positioned horizontally with elements nested, reducing transport height requirements while maintaining the capability for long mast configuration during operation.
3Length of moving object
If the mast is designed for long mast configuration (greater than 35 feet), then drill depth capability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates in areas with overhead obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The mast positioning actuator enables dynamic repositioning of the mast between vertical (for drilling) and horizontal (for transport) positions. This dynamic capability allows the long mast to be used in areas with overhead obstructions by positioning it horizontally during transport and vertically during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast can transition between two dimensional states: vertical orientation for drilling operations and horizontal orientation for transport. This dimensional change allows the same mast structure to satisfy both long drill depth requirements and low headroom constraints by changing its spatial orientation.
4Ease of operation
If the mast is designed for short mast configuration (less than or equal to 35 feet), then ease of operation in constrained areas improves, but drill depth capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mast positioning actuator enables the mast to be positioned horizontally for transport in constrained areas, effectively creating a short profile during transport while maintaining the capability for long mast configuration during drilling operations. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between transport constraints and drilling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more apparatuses are described for drilling, and related methods. The apparatus can include a mast articulation mechanism supported by a base structure, an elongated mast, and a mast actuator.