Moving Crank Shaft Force Point for Lower-Torque Beam Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lifting and lowering systems for unbalanced loads, such as beam pumping units, require high net torque, leading to increased wear and tear, energy consumption, and operational expenses due to the unbalanced downhole conditions between lifting and lowering phases.
Innovation Solution
A moving crank shaft force point is positioned to optimize geometry, reducing the torque factor and net torque by maintaining a vertical relationship with the effort force point, thereby reducing the required lifting and lowering torque in beam pumping units with a fulcrum and connected load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional beam pumping units with fixed crank shaft force point are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the net torque required for lifting and lowering unbalanced loads is high, leading to increased wear and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the crank shaft force point movable instead of fixed. The force point moves along the crank shaft to continuously optimize the geometry and minimize the torque factor during operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and reduce the net torque required for lifting and lowering unbalanced loads, thereby reducing energy consumption and wear on components.
2Reliability
If conventional beam pumping units with fixed crank shaft force point are used, then the structure is simple, but the components experience high wear and tear due to high net torque
Solution Approach 1:
The movable force point dynamically adjusts its position to optimize the mechanical advantage and minimize the torque factor throughout the pumping cycle. This reduces the peak net torque experienced by components such as the crank shaft, bearings, and speed reducer, thereby extending their lifespan and improving overall system reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional beam pumping units with fixed crank shaft force point are used, then the design is straightforward, but the speed reducers must be large to handle the high net torque
Solution Approach 1:
By continuously moving the force point to maintain optimal geometry, the system minimizes the torque factor and reduces the peak net torque transmitted to the speed reducer. This allows for the use of smaller, more compact speed reducers while still handling the loading conditions effectively, reducing both size and cost.
4Length of moving object
If conventional beam pumping units with fixed crank shaft force point are used, then the mechanism is simple, but the reciprocating stroke length is limited due to high torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning of the force point allows for optimized geometry across a wider range of crank angles, enabling longer reciprocating stroke lengths without excessively increasing the net torque. This is achieved by continuously adjusting the force point position to maintain favorable mechanical advantage throughout the extended stroke cycle.
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 allows for longer-lasting components, reduced power consumption, smaller speed reducers, and longer reciprocating stroke lengths, resulting in economic and performance benefits by minimizing the net torque required for lifting and lowering unbalanced loads.
Implementation Method 1
A moving crank shaft force point is positioned to optimize geometry, reducing the torque factor and net torque by maintaining a vertical relationship with the effort force point, thereby reducing the required lifting and lowering torque in beam pumping units with a fulcrum and connected load.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to lifting and lowering loads more efficiently and also more economically than known systems. This invention is the continuous movement by mechanical means of a moving crank shaft force point to a desired advantageous position at a desired advantageous moment to achieve improved geometry resulting in a desired low torque factor for a reduced net torque when lifting or lowering an unbalanced load with a beam with a fulcrum and connected to a load and an effort. In one embodiment, a walking beam well pumping unit, the lifting and lowering of the well load can be caused by the reciprocating motion of a beam tipping on a fulcrum and with an effort force point continuously substantially vertically disposed with the moving crank shaft force point. Potentially reduced net torque might allow longer life speed reducers, smaller speed reducers, and longer reciprocating vertical stroke length.