Actuatable Fingerboard Latch Assembly Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fingerboard latch assemblies in drilling systems require complex mechanisms and high fluid pressure to actuate between closed and open positions, which can be inefficient and prone to environmental contamination, and lack effective load distribution to manage bending and shear loads from drill pipes.

Innovation Solution

A fingerboard latch assembly featuring a piston and cylinder actuator system with a link member and wiper seal, where fluid pressure actuates the finger member from a closed to an open position, and a biasing member ensures the latch is closed without pressure, with a design that efficiently distributes loads and protects components from debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanisms are used to actuate the finger member, then the latch can achieve reliable positioning, but the device complexity increases and requires high fluid pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch positioning reliabilityVSAvoidactuator mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a piston receiving fluid pressure, a piston rod connected to the piston, and a link member connecting the piston rod to the finger member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The link member acts as an intermediary between the piston rod and the finger member, translating the linear motion of the piston rod into the rotational motion required to actuate the finger member between closed and open positions. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall actuation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If high fluid pressure is applied to actuate the latch, then the finger member can overcome locking forces, but the system becomes prone to environmental contamination and requires more energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation forceVSAvoidenvironmental contamination exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a piston and cylinder arrangement where fluid pressure is contained within a sealed chamber. The piston rod transmits this contained pressure to the link member and finger member, achieving high actuation force without exposing the fluid system to environmental contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The cylinder provides a sealed chamber that contains the fluid pressure, acting as a protective barrier that prevents environmental contamination while transmitting the necessary force through the piston and piston rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the finger member is made with greater lateral width in the main body portion, then the latch can better distribute loads from drill pipes, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload distribution capabilityVSAvoidfinger member geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The finger member features a main body portion with greater lateral width specifically at the load-bearing region, while the finger extension portion maintains a narrower profile. This local variation in geometry provides enhanced load distribution capability where needed without unnecessarily increasing the complexity of the entire finger member structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 allows for efficient actuation with minimal fluid pressure, reduces exposure to contaminants, and effectively manages bending and shear loads, enhancing the operational reliability and longevity of the latch assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a piston rod slidably disposed in the cylinder, wherein the piston rod comprises a piston disposed at the second end of the piston rod, and wherein the piston comprises a circular piston face configured to receive fluid pressure from a sealed chamber disposed in the cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a piston rod guide coupled to an upper end of the cylinder, and wherein the piston rod guide comprises a wiper seal configured to wipe an outer surface of the piston rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the actuator assembly comprises a piston rod extending from the piston, a rod link pivotably coupled to an end of the piston rod, and wherein the rod link is pivotably coupled to the finger member at a second pin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10677000B2Actuatable fingerboard latch assembly

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 AMERICAN BLOCK

AI summary

A fingerboard latch assembly includes a latch body, a finger member pivotably connected to the latch body at a first pin, and an actuator assembly coupled to the finger member, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to actuate the finger member from a closed position to an open position in response to the application of fluid pressure to the actuator assembly.