Drilling Tool Connection Device with Pre-Charged Hydraulic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting a tubular drilling tool to a power turret require significant manual effort and are hazardous due to the need for high-altitude manual bolt insertion, and existing automated solutions are complex and prone to errors with fluid supply issues.
Innovation Solution
An electric hydraulic pump system with a sensor-actuated hydraulic switching valve reduces the insertion force required, using a push rod with a compression spring for actuation and an inductive sensor for precise control, along with conical locking bolts and angled centering edges for easier alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinders with spring preloaded locking bolts are used to automate the connection process, then the ease of operation is improved, but the insertion force required to move locking bolts against spring preload increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system performs preliminary action by pre-charging the accumulator with hydraulic pressure before the connection process. When the drill pipe is inserted, the pre pressurized hydraulic system automatically activates the locking bolts without requiring additional insertion force from the operator. The push rod with compression spring detects the insertion and triggers the pre-charged hydraulic system to move the locking bolts into the drilling tool openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic system with an accumulator pre-charged to a first hydraulic pressure. When activation occurs via the push rod, hydraulic fluid is supplied to the hydraulic cylinders at a second hydraulic pressure higher than the first, enabling the locking bolts to overcome spring preload and engage the drilling tool without requiring excessive insertion force.
2Device complexity
If manual bolt insertion is used to connect drill pipes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety deteriorates due to high-altitude manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-activating upon insertion. The push rod with compression spring automatically detects when the drill pipe is inserted and triggers the hydraulic system to engage the locking bolts without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to climb ladders and manually insert bolts at heights of up to 6 meters, significantly improving safety while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If conical locking bolts with angled centering edges are used, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolts feature conical shapes and angled centering edges that facilitate self-alignment during insertion. The conical geometry and angled edges (with specific angle ranges provided in the patent) guide the locking bolts into proper alignment with the drilling tool openings, improving positioning accuracy. While these geometric features do require manufacturing precision, the patent specifies reasonable angle ranges that balance positioning accuracy with manufacturability.
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 significantly reduces the insertion force needed and enhances safety by automating the connection process, minimizing manual intervention and preventing unintentional actuation, while maintaining precise positioning and pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
The push rod is preloaded in its rest position by a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
by means of which the piston accumulator is subjected to hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 3
the sensor device comprises an inductive sensor for monitoring the position of the push rod
Implementation Method 4
when an actuation signal is applied, the hydraulic cylinders are separated from the piston accumulator, whereby the locking bolts are in the locking position due to the spring preload
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a)~3c)
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting a tubular drilling tool to the rotary power head of a drilling rig, comprising a connecting tube and at least two radially arranged locking bolts (33) guided through the connecting tube, which engage in a corresponding opening of a drilling tool, wherein at least two hydraulic cylinders (31) are arranged, by means of which the at least two locking bolts (33) are movable, wherein pumping means are arranged, by means of which the at least two hydraulic cylinders (31) can be operated, wherein the pumping means are connected to a piston accumulator (4), to which the at least two hydraulic cylinders (31) are connected, wherein a push rod (42) is arranged, which can be actuated by inserting a drilling tool (6) to be received into the connecting tube (1), wherein each of the at least two locking bolts (33) is connected to the hydraulic cylinder (31) via a rocker arm (32).which is pre-tensioned in the closed position of the locking bolt (33) via a spring element, which spring element is formed by a disc spring assembly integrated into the hydraulic cylinder (31), by which a piston (311) of the hydraulic cylinder (31) connected to the rocker arm is pre-tensioned such that the locking bolt (33) is pre-tensioned through the wall of the connecting pipe (1) in the direction of its central axis, wherein the pumping means comprise an electric hydraulic pump (44) by which the piston accumulator (4) is pressurized with hydraulic pressure, wherein the push rod (42) is connected to a sensor device which, when the push rod (42) is actuated, sends an actuation signal to a hydraulic switching valve (5) upstream of the hydraulic cylinders (31), which is switched in such a way thatthat in the rest position of the push rod (42) the locking bolts (33) are in the open position and when an actuation signal is applied the hydraulic cylinders (31) are disconnected from the piston accumulator, whereby the locking bolts (33) are in the locked position by the spring preload.