Hydraulic Ram Wedge Lock Sequencing with Two-Port Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic ram systems require additional hydraulic fluid ports to operate wedge locks, necessitating extra lines and complicating the operation, especially in scenarios where hydraulic power is lost.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes only the open and close ports to operate hydraulic rams, wedge locks, and cam-actuated control valves, employing a sequence of hydraulic fluid flow to lock and unlock the wedge lock mechanism without additional ports, ensuring the ram remains sealed in case of hydraulic fluid loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hydraulic fluid ports are used to operate wedge locks, then the wedge lock operation is enabled, but the system complexity increases and additional hydraulic lines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The existing open and close ports are made multi-functional by designing the hydraulic control system so that these ports can control both the ram movement and the wedge lock operation through cam-actuated sequence valves. The cam mechanisms detect ram position and automatically route hydraulic fluid through the existing ports to achieve both functions without requiring dedicated ports for wedge locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for ram operation and wedge lock operation are merged into a single integrated system using cam-actuated sequence valves. These valves combine multiple control functions in one component, allowing the existing two ports to manage both the main ram movement and the auxiliary wedge lock engagement/disengagement through sequential activation.
2Extent of automation
If cam operated sequence valves are added to control wedge locks, then the automatic locking sequence is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-actuated sequence valves are designed to automatically detect the ram's position through mechanical cam followers and autonomously control the hydraulic fluid distribution. The system serves itself by using the ram's own movement to trigger the sequence valves, which then automatically route hydraulic pressure to engage or disengage the wedge locks without requiring external control signals or additional actuators.
3Device complexity
If only two hydraulic lines are used, then the system is simplified, but the ability to operate both rams and wedge locks independently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control system uses dynamic cam-actuated sequence valves that automatically change their internal routing based on the real-time position of the rams. As the rams move between open and closed positions, the cam followers detect these changes and dynamically redirect hydraulic fluid flow through the same two ports to achieve different functions - controlling ram movement in one state and wedge lock operation in another state.
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 the operation of hydraulic rams and wedge locks with only two hydraulic lines, ensuring the wellbore remains sealed during hydraulic power loss and simplifying the system by eliminating the need for extra ports, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
applying a hydraulic pressure utilizing only the close port or open port to close the rams or the open port to open the rams
Implementation Method 2
An angled wedge is pressed against an angled end of the tail rod of the ram shaft to secure the rams from moving
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic method for opening and closing a ram and operating a wedge lock and unlock mechanism using only an open port and a close port. To close the rams and lock the rams in a closed position, hydraulic fluid is directed to the close port where the rams close and then are locked in the closed position. To open the rams, hydraulic fluid is direct to the open port whereupon the wedge locks are unlocked. Afterward the wedge locks are unlocked, hydraulic fluid is utilized to open the rams.