Mud Pump Rod Connector with Rotating Lock for Fast Piston Service
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling systems face challenges in efficiently decoupling and replacing worn-out components, such as pistons, in mud pumps due to the complexity and time required for maintenance, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A rod connector system with a rotatable actuator that transitions between locked and unlocked positions, allowing for easy coupling and decoupling of rods using a shear force mechanism, facilitated by biasing members and specific engagement surfaces, enabling rapid maintenance and replacement of components without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rod coupling mechanisms are used in mud pumps, then the pump can operate reliably, but the time required to decouple and replace components becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator rotates between locked and unlocked positions to dynamically change the state of the coupling mechanism, enabling rapid transition from a secure locked state during operation to an unlocked state for maintenance, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The rod connector is divided into separate functional components including the actuator, coupling member, and rod interface, allowing the coupling and decoupling actions to be independently controlled through rotation, enabling quick component replacement without affecting the entire pump system
2Loss of time
If a simple coupling mechanism is used to reduce maintenance time, then component replacement becomes faster, but the reliability and security of the connection during operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a simple static connection to a dynamic system where the actuator rotation provides controlled engagement and disengagement, ensuring secure connection during operation through the locked position while enabling rapid release when unlocked
Solution Approach 2:
The biased engagement surfaces are pre-positioned to automatically engage when the actuator is in the locked position, ensuring the connection is securely established before operation begins, while the predetermined rotation path ensures reliable disengagement when maintenance is required
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 quick and reliable decoupling of piston rods from mud pumps, reducing maintenance time and improving operational efficiency by allowing for easy access and replacement of worn-out components, thus enhancing the overall performance and longevity of drilling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member disposed about the first coupler and in contact with a shoulder of the engagement member, wherein the first biasing member is configured to maintain contact between the engagement member and the outer surface of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
when the actuator is in the first angular position and the first coupler is locked with the first rod, the first coupler is configured to apply a shear force to a coupling member in engagement with the first coupler and the first rod
Data Source
AI summary
A rod connector for coupling with a rod of a pump includes a cylinder including a bore, an actuator rotatably disposed in the bore of the cylinder, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the rod connector between locked and unlocked positions, and a first coupler disposed in the bore of the cylinder and configured to releasably couple with a first rod of the pump, wherein the actuator includes an outer surface including a first pair of opposing engagement surfaces and a second pair of opposing engagement surfaces, and wherein a diameter extending between the first pair of engagement surfaces is less than a diameter extending between the second pair of surfaces.