Hinged Tool Carrier for Slant Rig Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tool carriers in well operation rigs, especially slant rigs, face challenges in maintaining tool support structures centralized over well center due to gravity, leading to instability and potential tipping during transport and operation.
Innovation Solution
A tool carrier system with a hinge mechanism that allows tool support structures to pivot away from the mast, ensuring centralized positioning even in slant configurations, and includes centralizer rings and rigid pipe handling structures to maintain alignment and balance, facilitating balanced weight distribution and stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tool support structures are rigidly connected to the mast, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to maintain centralized positioning on slant rigs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid connections with a hinge mechanism that allows the tool support structures to pivot and adapt to slant rig configurations. The hinge enables the bracket to rotate relative to the mast, allowing the tool support structures to maintain centralized positioning over the well center even when the rig is installed at an angle, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural strength and centralized positioning stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tool carrier is positioned centrally on chassis, then transport stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex hinge mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to automatically position the tool carrier centrally on the chassis during transport through gravitational force and geometric constraints, without requiring active control or complex operation. The self-service principle is embodied in the passive mechanical design where the hinge naturally guides the bracket into the correct centralized position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinge mechanism is added to permit pivoting, then adaptability to slant rigs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into multiple components: a first portion that attaches to the mast, a second portion that attaches to the tool support structures, and a hinge mechanism connecting these portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the hinge providing the necessary pivoting motion for slant rig adaptability while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable.
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 system effectively maintains tool support structures centralized on slant rigs, preventing tipping and ensuring stable operation and transport by redistributing weight and using centralizer rings and rigid connections to keep components aligned with the well center.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge configured to permit the second portion to pivot away from the first portion, while the first portion remains connected to the second portion
Implementation Method 2
one or more tool support structures configured to remain centralized along a center line against the force of gravity in a slant rig
Data Source
AI summary
A tool carrier, which is also known as a top drive or a power swivel, for a well operation rig includes link arms coupled between the rotating hook assembly and the lower pipe gripping structure, the link arms each secured to the rotating hook assembly by a first rigid connection and secured to the lower pipe gripping structure by a second rigid connection such that the link arms can extend along well center even when operating in slant. Another tool carrier includes a hinge between the mast and the main housing. The hinge permits the tool carrier to be moved into a more central position when folded onto the rig chassis for transport.