Mast Leg Pulley Cable System for Rig Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of disassembling, transporting, and reassembling drilling rigs is time-consuming and costly due to the heavy and bulky nature of the equipment, requiring complex disassembly and reassembly procedures.
Innovation Solution
A mast transport skid system that remains integrated with the drill rig, allowing for easier disassembly and reassembly by pivoting and rotating components using a cable and pulley system, reducing the number of tasks involved in setting up and taking down the rig, and enabling the rig to be transported as a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the mast assembly is disassembled into multiple components for transport, then the equipment can be transported on standard truck beds and trailers, but the disassembly and reassembly process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The mast assembly is divided into multiple sections (lower mast section, middle mast section, upper mast section) that can be separated for transport. Each section can be independently handled and transported on standard equipment, resolving the contradiction between transportability and assembly time by enabling modular decomposition of the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg supports are designed with pivotal connections that allow them to rotate between operational and transport positions dynamically. During transport, the leg supports pivot to a horizontal position alongside the mast section, eliminating the need for complex disassembly and reducing setup time while maintaining transportability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the leg supports are fixed in position, then the mast assembly is stable during operation, but the leg supports cannot be easily repositioned for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The leg supports incorporate pivotal connections that enable dynamic repositioning between vertical operational positions (providing stability) and horizontal transport positions (enabling easy repositioning). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the same component to fulfill both stability and ease of repositioning requirements at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable and pulley system automatically moves the leg supports from operational to transport positions using the gravitational force generated during mast lowering. The system self-actuates without requiring external equipment or manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of repositioning by enabling automatic, equipment-free repositioning.
3Reliability
If multiple disassembly and assembly tasks are required, then the rig can be properly configured for transport and operation, but the number of tasks increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the leg supports simultaneously provide structural support, enable pivotal repositioning, and connect to the cable system for automatic movement. The cable and pulley system merges the functions of force application, position control, and automatic actuation. This integration reduces the number of separate tasks required while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable and pulley system automatically performs the repositioning of leg supports using gravitational force during mast lowering, eliminating the need for separate manual disassembly and reassembly tasks. This self-service mechanism maintains configuration accuracy while dramatically reducing the number of tasks and improving productivity.
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
This solution streamlines the setup and teardown process, reduces the time and cost associated with rig movement, and increases the efficiency and profitability of drilling operations by eliminating the need for multiple disassembly and assembly tasks.
Implementation Method 1
A cable with a first cable end is attached to the leg support, and a force is exerted on the leg support through the cable that causes the leg support to rotate about the joint when the mast assembly is lowered
Implementation Method 2
The first pulley may be positioned to angle the first portion of the cable
Implementation Method 3
A distance between a fixed end of the cable and the first pulley may increase as the mast section is lowered. The increased distance may passively exert a force that moves the leg support
Data Source
AI summary
A mast system includes a first leg of a mast pivotally connected to a pivot support and a second leg of the mast pivotally connected to a leg support. The leg support has a first support end with a surface connector to attach to a rig surface and a second support end with a leg connector to connect to the second leg to form a joint. A cable with a first cable end is attached to the leg support, and a force is exerted on the leg support through the cable that causes the leg support to rotate about the joint when the mast is lowered.