Mobile Erector Mast Pivoting for Silo Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for handling and transporting oilfield materials, such as proppants, for hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas wells are inefficient, particularly in terms of alignment and elevation changes during setup, leading to potential misalignment and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile erector assembly system that includes a chassis, a pivotable mast, and actuators to move and pivot oilfield material containers from a transport orientation to an operational orientation, allowing for precise alignment and elevation adjustments on a modular support structure, facilitating the setup of modular silos at well sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and positioning methods are used for oilfield material containers during setup, then operational flexibility is maintained, but alignment precision and setup time are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-configured mounting structures with integrated alignment features and positioning mechanisms on the chassis. These pre-installed components enable rapid and precise alignment of oilfield material containers during setup, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary alignment mechanisms and positioning devices as mediators between the chassis and the oilfield material containers. These intermediary components facilitate precise alignment and positioning through mechanical guidance features, reducing the time and skill required for manual alignment while improving consistency and accuracy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed rigid mounting structures are used for oilfield material containers, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different container configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting structure into modular, separable components with standardized interfaces. This allows different oilfield material containers to be selectively mounted and configured on the chassis while maintaining structural stability through the rigid yet modular design of the mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by providing adjustable and reconfigurable mounting positions on the chassis. The mounting structures allow for dynamic reconfiguration of container positions and orientations while maintaining stable structural connections during operation, enabling adaptation to different container types and configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment mechanisms are implemented for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating self-aligning features and self-positioning mechanisms into the mounting structures. These features automatically guide and position oilfield material containers during installation without requiring complex external alignment equipment or procedures, achieving high positioning accuracy through simple, intuitive mechanical guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a chassis, a mast movably coupled with the chassis, a first actuator operable to pivot the mast with respect to the chassis along a substantially vertical plane, and a second actuator operable to move the mast in a lateral direction with respect to the chassis along a substantially horizontal plane. The mast may support an oilfield material container. By pivoting the mast, the first actuator may be operable to pivot the oilfield material container with respect to the chassis along a substantially vertical plane. By moving the mast, the second actuator may be operable move the oilfield material container in a lateral direction with respect to the chassis along a substantially horizontal plane.