Drilling Rig Mast Section Alignment via Self-Service Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling rig mast erection methods are inefficient, often requiring auxiliary cranes and resulting in unstable mast assemblies during transport and assembly, with a need for improved connection mechanisms to facilitate faster and more stable mast assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a bottom mast section connected to a support, with a second mast section moved adjacent to the first using a vehicle, engaging connection apparatuses to secure and align the sections, utilizing jaw members and pins for locking, allowing for efficient assembly and alignment of the mast sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mast erection methods using auxiliary cranes are used, then the mast can be assembled, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is divided into multiple transportable sections that can be moved independently by vehicles to the assembly site, where they are connected using the self-aligning connection mechanisms. This segmentation enables efficient transport and rapid assembly without requiring auxiliary cranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection apparatus includes self-aligning mechanisms with guide surfaces and tolerance compensation features that automatically align mast sections during assembly. This self-aligning capability eliminates the need for auxiliary cranes and specialized alignment equipment, significantly reducing assembly time and improving productivity.
2Productivity
If mast sections are transported separately and assembled on-site, then transport efficiency improves, but connection stability and alignment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection apparatus is pre-configured with guide surfaces, locating features, and tolerance compensation mechanisms that ensure precise alignment when mast sections are connected. This preliminary preparation of alignment features maintains high connection precision even though sections are transported separately and assembled on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between separate mast sections, providing self-aligning features and tolerance compensation that ensure precise and stable connections. The connection apparatus includes guide surfaces and locating features that automatically align sections during assembly, maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Productivity
If simpler connection mechanisms are used to speed up assembly, then assembly efficiency improves, but mast stability during transport and assembly may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is segmented into sections connected by robust connection apparatus that provides both rapid assembly capability and structural stability. Each connection point is designed with self-aligning features and locking mechanisms that ensure stable connections while maintaining fast assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection apparatus is pre-designed with self-aligning guide surfaces and tolerance compensation features that ensure stable and precise connections during rapid assembly. These preliminary alignment features prevent instability that might otherwise occur during quick assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for connection parts of a mast of a drilling rig without using a crane or other lifting machine are disclosed. In certain aspects, these methods include moving parts of a mast to be assembled with trucks and positioning the parts with the trucks to facilitate their connection. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).