Foldable Substructure Module for Mobile Drilling Rigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing substructure modules for mobile land drilling rigs face challenges in transportation due to their fixed height and space requirements, leading to increased costs and complexity, and current erection methods are complex and pose risks to personnel.
Innovation Solution
A substructure module design featuring lateral, foldable supports with a central hinge allows for reduced height during transport and automated assembly/disassembly using lifting gear attachment points, enabling easy and safe erection without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are used as substructure modules with fixed dimensions, then the interior space can accommodate drilling rig aggregates, but the transport space requirement increases and transport costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The substructure module employs a scissor lifting mechanism that transforms the static container into a dynamic structure capable of changing its vertical dimension. The scissor mechanism allows the module to extend vertically when lifted, creating interior space for aggregates, and collapse vertically when lowered, minimizing transport volume. This dynamic transformation directly resolves the contradiction between interior space requirement and transport volume constraint.
2Volume of moving object
If substructure modules are designed with reduced height for transport, then transport operations are simplified, but the interior space for aggregates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The module maintains a compact low profile during transport but dynamically extends to full height during operation through the scissor lifting mechanism. This allows the same structure to satisfy both transport volume constraints and interior space requirements at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor mechanism utilizes vertical dimension expansion to create interior space without increasing the horizontal footprint. By transforming the structure from a 2D compact form during transport to a 3D expanded form during operation, the invention maximizes interior volume while minimizing transport volume.
3Device complexity
If manual fixing of scissor lifting mechanism is required during erection, then device complexity is reduced, but safety risks increase for personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor lifting mechanism is designed to self-lock automatically when the upper base part is raised to the operational position. The mechanical geometry of the scissor links creates inherent stability that maintains the elevated position without requiring manual intervention for locking, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with manual fixing while preserving structural simplicity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If substructure modules are erected with complex mechanisms, then stability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor lifting mechanism provides a direct mechanical path from lifting to stabilization. As the upper base part is raised, the scissor links automatically form a stable geometric configuration that locks in place, achieving both stability and speed without complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism self-stabilizes through its geometric design during the lifting process itself, eliminating the need for separate stabilization steps or complex locking procedures that would increase assembly time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The module (16) has multiple supports that are arranged between a lower base portion and an upper base portion. The supports are equipped with inner and outer joints at the middle. The supports are hinged with the lower base portion at one end, and hinged with the upper base portion at other end. Multiple stop points for lifting gears are formed centrally at the upper base portion hinged with the supports. An independent claim is included for a method of operating base module.