Mobile Drilling Rig Mast Pivot and Slide Chassis Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile drilling rigs are not well-suited for traversing rugged terrain, are limited in drilling depth due to instability, and are expensive to build and maintain, making them inefficient for various field conditions and uses.
Innovation Solution
A modular mobile drilling rig with a drive chassis, main frame, and telescoped extensions for stability, a pivotally mounted mast with a drill head that can move along its length, and a power plant on a slide chassis for enhanced stability and maintenance, along with actuators to adjust the center of gravity on sloping terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mobile drilling rigs are used, then they can perform drilling operations, but they cannot safely negotiate rugged terrain with steep grades
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig incorporates movable components including the mast that can pivot between vertical and horizontal positions, and the drill head that can move along the mast. These dynamic adjustments allow the rig to adapt its center of gravity and operational position to safely navigate rugged terrain and steep grades while maintaining stability during drilling operations
2Length of moving object
If conventional mobile drilling rigs are used, then they can drill holes, but they are limited in drilling depth due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is designed to move dynamically along its support structure and can be positioned at various heights and angles. This dynamic positioning capability allows the rig to maintain optimal stability configurations for deep drilling operations, enabling greater drilling depths while preventing tipping motions through active adjustment of the mast position
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional mobile drilling rigs are used, then they can perform drilling functions, but they are expensive to build and maintain due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig is divided into distinct modular segments including the drive chassis, main frame, mast assembly, and drill head. Each segment can be independently manufactured, maintained, and replaced. The mast assembly can be detached and transported separately on the drive chassis, simplifying logistics and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full drilling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The drive chassis serves multiple functions: it provides powered transportation to drilling sites, supports the main frame and mast assembly, and can transport the mast separately when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs
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
Enables safe navigation of rugged terrain, deeper drilling capabilities, reduced maintenance costs, and adaptability to various field conditions while maintaining operator visibility and stability during operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated mast supporting a drill head is mounted to one end of the main frame on a mast pivot support which allows the mast to be swung from a horizontal position extending back over the main frame, to a vertical drilling position at a location just forward of the main frame
Implementation Method 2
The slide chassis supports a power plant comprised of engine and one or more hydraulic pumps, a fuel tank, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid and other components necessary for powering the various actuators which are hydraulically operated, as well as for propelling of the drive chassis
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile drilling rig is mountable on a separate drive chassis having running gear. A separate main frame may be having elongated members, each having outer end extensions and vertically adjustable support posts thereon. A slide chassis is slidable on one end of the main frame mounting a power plant, and a mast pivot support pivotally mounted on the other end of the main frame. An elongated mast has a drill head movable thereon, with the mast pivot support slidably mounting the mast thereon so that the mast may be pivoted between vertical and horizontal orientations thereon while being movable in lengthwise directions. The slide chassis, the mast and drill head are moved to positions improving the stability of the rig when traversing grades in an up or down hill direction.