Floating Traverse System for Catwalks on Non-Level Beams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving catwalks on drilling rigs are hindered by manufacturing irregularities in beams, requiring costly leveling processes and the transportation of milling machines, which is inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A traverse actuating and gripping system that includes upper and lower gripping pads and actuators to securely grip and move catwalk frames along beams, allowing for movement without the need for leveling, using brake devices that can float and pivot to accommodate uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beams are manufactured and installed to support the catwalk, then the catwalk can be moved relative to the drill floor, but manufacturing irregularities cause the beams to be non-coplanar and non-level, requiring costly milling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device incorporates floating and pivoting mechanisms that allow the gripping pads to dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The floating capability permits vertical movement to accommodate height variations in the beam flanges, while the pivoting capability allows angular adjustment to match the beam surface orientation. This dynamic adaptation enables the catwalk to be securely gripped and moved across non-level surfaces without requiring precision leveling of the beams.
2Manufacturing precision
If a milling machine is transported to the rig to level the beams, then the beam surfaces become coplanar and level, but the process becomes extremely expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device performs its own adaptation to non-level surfaces through its built-in floating and pivoting mechanisms. Instead of requiring an external milling machine to level the beams, the system uses its inherent mechanical flexibility to self-adjust to the existing beam geometry. The gripping pads automatically conform to the beam flange surfaces through gravitational floating and controlled pivoting, eliminating the need for costly external leveling operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the catwalk frame is fastened to the beams using pins when not moving, then the frame remains stable, but the frame cannot be easily moved when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device provides dynamic control over the catwalk frame's movement through actuated gripping and releasing mechanisms. When the actuator applies braking force, the gripping pads clamp onto the beam flanges to secure the frame in position, providing stability. When the actuator releases, the gripping pads open to allow the frame to be freely moved. This dynamic transition between gripped and released states enables easy movement when needed while maintaining stability when positioned.
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 stable and efficient movement of catwalks across non-level surfaces without the need for costly leveling processes, simplifying operations and reducing expenses by eliminating the need for on-site milling machines.
Implementation Method 1
an upper gripping pad coupled to the body and configured to contact a side of a support member of the support structure and a lower gripping pad coupled to the body and configured to contact an opposing side of the support member
Data Source
AI summary
A traverse actuating and gripping system configured to move a catwalk relative to a support structure. The system includes a body, an upper gripping pad coupled to the body and configured to contact a side of a support member of the support structure, a lower gripping pad coupled to the body and configured to contact an opposing side of the support member, and an actuator coupled to at least one of the gripping pads and configured to move the gripping pads between a gripping position that grips the support member and an open position that spaces one of the gripping pads away from the support member.