Self-Erecting Drilling Rig Thrust Frame Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal drilling rigs face challenges in efficient setup and stabilization for drilling operations, particularly in transitioning between transport and drilling positions, due to limitations in supporting and positioning the thrust frame effectively.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a thrust frame with a carriage, wheel truck, king pin, trailer-leg assembly, and bracing assembly, allowing for the thrust frame to be raised and lowered for easy tractor connection/disconnection and stabilization in inclined positions, using a jack assembly and bracing to create a rigid triangular structure for drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thrust frame is supported on a wheel truck in a lowered position, then the apparatus can be transported, but the thrust frame cannot be easily positioned for drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust frame is divided into a forward portion and a rearward portion, allowing independent positioning of each section. The forward portion can be raised and lowered separately from the rearward portion, enabling flexible positioning for both transport and drilling operations without requiring complex overall frame movements.
Solution Approach 2:
A trailer-leg assembly is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the forward portion of the thrust frame and the ground. This assembly includes legs that can be positioned to support the forward portion in raised or lowered positions, facilitating easy transition between transport and drilling modes without complex positioning mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the forward portion of the thrust frame is raised for tractor connection, then the tractor can be connected or disconnected, but the thrust frame cannot be stabilized for drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust frame is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing the forward portion to be raised for tractor connection and then lowered for drilling operations. The trailer-leg assembly enables this dynamic transition by providing support at different positions, while the bracing assembly can be deployed to stabilize the frame in the lowered drilling position.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer-leg assembly is positioned in advance to support the forward portion of the thrust frame before drilling operations begin. This preliminary positioning allows the frame to be stabilized in the lowered position, ensuring readiness for drilling while maintaining the ability to connecttractors when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the rearward portion of the thrust frame is raised, then the thrust frame can be positioned for drilling, but the apparatus becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing assembly merges the forward portion of the thrust frame with the rearward portion through a rigid triangular structure. When the rearward portion is raised for drilling, the bracing assembly connects it to the forward portion, creating a stable triangular configuration that maintains overall apparatus stability while allowing the rearward portion to be positioned for drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing assembly forms a rigid triangular structure that provides geometric stability. This triangular configuration naturally resists deformation and maintains stability when the rearward portion is raised, as triangles are inherently stable geometric shapes that maintain their form under load.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the thrust frame is lowered for drilling operations, then stable drilling can be performed, but the apparatus cannot be transported
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust frame is segmented into forward and rearward portions that can be independently positioned. During transport, the forward portion can be raised while the rearward portion remains lowered on the wheel truck, allowing the apparatus to move稳定地. During drilling, the forward portion is lowered to stabilize the frame for drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the thrust frame to transition between transport and drilling configurations. The trailer-leg assembly and bracing assembly enable the frame to be raised for transport and lowered for drilling, providing adaptability between different operational modes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for horizontal drilling are provided. The apparatus has: (A) a thrust frame; (B) a carriage on the thrust frame; (C) a wheel truck, wherein a rearward portion of the thrust frame can be supported in a lowered position on the wheel truck; (D) a king pin for operatively connecting a forward portion of the thrust frame to a tractor; (E) a trailer-leg assembly that can be connected operatively between: (i) the forward portion of the thrust frame; and (ii) the ground; and wherein the trailer-leg assembly is capable of assisting in supporting the forward portion of the thrust frame: (a) in a raised position so a tractor can be connected for towing; and (b) in a lowered position where the forward portion of the thrust frame is in a lowered position adjacent the ground to assist in positioning the thrust frame in a position for drilling.