Offshore Fingerboard Latch Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerboard latch systems on offshore drilling rigs are hazardous due to manual operation at high heights and lack feedback in automated pneumatic systems, leading to potential damage and safety risks from miscommunication of latch positions.
Innovation Solution
A fingerboard latch assembly with a positioner that is communicably coupled to a process control network (PCN), allowing for real-time movement and position feedback of the latch, enabling precise control and reducing manual intervention by providing real-time position data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of latches is used, then the worker can directly control latch position, but the worker faces extreme danger due to the extreme height of the fingerboards (90 feet or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of latches with an automated pneumatic system. The pneumatic actuator is connected to the latch mechanism, allowing the latch to be opened and closed automatically from ground level without requiring workers to climb to the 90-foot high fingerboards. This substitution eliminates the safety hazard while maintaining operational control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated pneumatic latches are used, then worker safety is improved, but the system lacks feedback to confirm actual latch position, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates position feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about the actual latch position to the control system. Sensors or position indicators are integrated into the pneumatic latch system to detect whether the latch is fully open, fully closed, or in transition. This feedback is transmitted to the control panel, allowing operators to confirm the actual latch position before initiating subsequent operations, thereby preventing premature drilling or equipment damage.
3Ease of operation
If the operator presses the button multiple times without confirming latch position, then the latch may open partially or completely, but this can cause the second latch behind the first to open, releasing its pipe string which may then collide with the unreleased drill pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that requires verification of latch position before allowing subsequent actuation commands. The feedback mechanism provides real-time status information, and the control logic is designed to prevent premature drilling operations until the latch is confirmed to be in the correct position. This preliminary verification step ensures that the first latch is fully open before the second latch is actuated, preventing pipe string collisions.
4Extent of automation
If conventional pneumatic latch controls are used, then automation is improved, but it is difficult to confirm the actual position of the latch at its height on the derrick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates position feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about the actual latch position to the control system. Sensors or position indicators are integrated into the pneumatic latch system to detect whether the latch is fully open, fully closed, or in transition. This feedback is transmitted to the control panel, allowing operators to confirm the actual latch position without visually inspecting the 90-foot high fingerboards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary feedback system (sensors, position indicators, and control panel displays) to bridge the gap between the physical latch position and the operator's knowledge of that position. Instead of requiring direct visual observation of the latch at height, the intermediary system transmits position information to the ground-level control panel, making the latch position easily detectable and confirmable.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A fingerboard latch assembly includes a latch (18) configured for operational engagement with a fingerboard (10) for lockingly retaining at least one tubular to the fingerboard (10). The latch (18) is movable within a range of motion extending from at least a locked position to an unlocked position. A positioner operatively engaged with the latch is communicably couplable to a process control network (PCN), and is sized and shaped for receipt within a latch channel (40) of the fingerboard (10). The positioner is configured to move the latch (18) within the range of motion in response to signals received from the PCN, to capture position data for the latch (18), including the position of the latch (18) at a plurality of points within the range of motion, and to communicate the captured position data to the PCN.