Pivoting Mecanum Rollers for HDD Pipe Rotation and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current roller systems used in HDD operations for supporting and moving drill pipes or product lines during reaming or installation are inadequate as they restrict rotational movement, leading to potential accidents and inefficiencies due to high friction and torque requirements, especially when dealing with heavy drill pipes and underground arcuate paths.
Innovation Solution
The development of omnidirectional and pivotable roller stands equipped with Mecanum wheels and adjustable frames that allow for low-friction longitudinal and rotational movement, enabling safer and more efficient handling of drill pipes or product lines by accommodating varying diameters and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If standard rollers are used to support and move product line, then friction in the direction of movement is reduced, but rotational movement is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The roller system is designed to be dynamically adaptable, allowing it to function in two distinct modes: as a standard roller for linear movement when stability is needed, and as an omnidirectional roller for combined linear and rotational movement when flexibility is required. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by making the system's behavior context-dependent rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between standard roller configuration and omnidirectional roller configuration. This parameter change allows the system to adapt its friction characteristics and rotational capabilities based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between reduced friction and enabled rotational movement.
2Ease of operation
If product line is supported by standard rollers, then movement along the path is facilitated, but accidental rotation can occur causing rollers to flip or break
Solution Approach 1:
The roller system dynamically adapts its stability characteristics based on operational needs. When positioned to provide rotational support, the system enhances reliability by preventing accidental rotation while still facilitating movement. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of movement and roller stability.
3Productivity
If tail string length is increased to reduce connection operations, then productivity improves, but torque requirements increase reducing drilling rig capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Omnidirectional rollers act as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the movement and rotation of longer tail strings. By providing low-friction support for both linear movement and rotational adjustment, these rollers enable the use of longer tail strings (increasing productivity) without proportionally increasing torque requirements, as the rollers bear and redistribute the mechanical loads.
4Adaptability or versatility
If workers are positioned near product line for monitoring and repairs, then operational flexibility is improved, but safety risk increases due to exposure to rotation accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The roller system dynamically controls rotational movement to enable operational flexibility while maintaining safety. By allowing controlled rotation when needed for operations like product line installation or retrieval, yet preventing accidental rotation through stable positioning, the system protects workers while maintaining operational versatility.
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
These advanced roller systems reduce friction and drag, enhance safety by preventing accidental rotation, and improve operational efficiency by allowing controlled movement and rotation of heavy drill pipes or product lines, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents and optimizing reaming processes.
Implementation Method 1
The improved omnidirectional roller apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or drill pipe tail string... with low friction coefficient
Implementation Method 2
One or more bearings are mounted on the frame and one or more rotational shafts are mounted to the bearings
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or pipe string in connection with an underground arcuate path in a ground beneath an obstacle, having a platform on the ground; a pivot member connected to the platform; wherein the pivot member defines a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the ground; and at least one rotator connected to the pivot member; wherein the at least one rotator pivots about the pivot axis in relation to the platform. The disclosure also relates to an omnidirectional roller apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or pipe string in connection with an underground arcuate path in a ground beneath an obstacle, having a stand mounted on the ground, wherein the stand has a frame; a bearing mounted on the frame; a rotational shaft mounted to the bearing, and a Mecanum wheel mounted on the rotational shaft.