Dual-Speed Linear Actuator Assembly With Automatic Force-Based Shifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators used in the oil and gas industry face challenges in providing dual speed and dual force capabilities while operating in hazardous environments, such as rig floors, where volatile fluids and gases are present, and require bulky and hazardous hydraulic support equipment.
Innovation Solution
A dual speed, dual force linear actuator assembly with a first drive shaft and piston that automatically adjusts extension or retraction speed based on opposing forces, utilizing a gearbox assembly and planetary gear system to switch between high and low torque modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic power is used to supply needed force for pipe handling equipment, then force capability is improved, but device complexity and safety hazards increase due to bulky hydraulic support equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power system with an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The linear actuator assembly uses an electric motor coupled to a drive shaft that directly drives the piston through a lead screw mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps, fluid reservoirs, and associated support equipment. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic support equipment from the system. By using an electric motor instead of hydraulic power, the bulky hydraulic pumps, fluid containment systems, and support infrastructure are completely removed from the rig equipment, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If electric motors are used in explosive environments, then device complexity is reduced, but safety hazards increase due to spark risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intrinsically safe electric motors designed for explosive environments. These motors use inherently safe components and designs that prevent spark generation, such as flameproof enclosures, intrinsically safe circuits, or explosion-proof ratings. The motor design prioritizes safety through inherent protective features rather than complex external safety systems.
3Force
If high engagement force is applied from a size-restricted space, then force capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the linear actuator assembly is compactly integrated within the rig equipment. The piston moves linearly within a cylindrical housing, and the lead screw mechanism is nested within the actuator body. This nested arrangement maximizes force output within a restricted spatial envelope without requiring complex external mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the force generation function into distinct modular components: the electric motor, the lead screw mechanism, and the piston assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness. The modular design simplifies the system compared to integrated hydraulic systems while achieving high engagement force.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual speed and dual force capabilities are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual speed and dual force capabilities through a dynamic mechanism where the piston can operate in different modes. The lead screw mechanism allows the piston to move at different speeds and generate different force levels based on the operational requirements. The system dynamically adjusts between high-speed/low-force and low-speed/high-force modes without requiring separate actuators or complex gear trains, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability.
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 efficient and safe operation in confined spaces with variable force requirements, reducing the need for bulky hydraulic support equipment and enhancing safety by using electric power.
Implementation Method 1
a friction disk engages the friction ring when the opposing force is below a predetermined force, and wherein the engagement of the friction disk with the friction ring creates a static friction force that resist rotation of the friction ring relative to the friction disk
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a gearbox assembly and planetary gear system to switch between high and low torque modes
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator assembly that can include a drive shaft, and a piston, where rotation of the drive shaft extends or retracts the piston at a speed that automatically changes based on an opposing force applied to the piston. A system that can include a piece of rig equipment configured to engage an object, with one or more linear actuator assemblies incorporated into the piece of rig equipment, where the linear actuator assemblies selectively engage the object and each of the linear actuator assemblies can include a drive shaft, and a piston, and where rotation of the drive shaft extends or retracts the piston at a speed that automatically changes based on an opposing force applied to the piston.