Multi-Point Fastening for Transportable Drilling Rigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling rig transportation systems require disassembly and reassembly, leading to time delays and increased risk of errors, and face challenges with load distribution during transport due to single-point loading and potential 'floating' of disassembled parts during towing.
Innovation Solution
A transportable drilling rig system that integrates a rig transporting unit (RTU) with the drilling rig using a multi-point fastening system, allowing for secure, rigid connection and transport of the drilling rig with most support equipment intact, including a wheeled support structure that can be raised for transport and lowered for operation, distributing the load across multiple fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the drilling rig is disassembled and transported using a single load point, then the transportation setup is simpler, but the drilling rig parts may float relative to the transporter causing transportation difficulties and increased risk of errors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single load point into multiple load points (first load point, second load point, third load point) distributed across the transporter. This segmentation allows each component of the disassembled drilling rig to be securely positioned at specific locations, preventing floating and improving transportation stability while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point (0D) or line (1D) loading approach to a distributed multi-point (2D/3D) loading configuration. By spreading load points across different spatial locations on the transporter, the system achieves better weight distribution and component stability without significantly increasing operational complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drilling rig is disassembled and reassembled at the second drill site, then the rig can be transported, but time is lost and the opportunity for mistakes to be made by operators is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig is disassembled into major components (drill floor assembly, mast assembly, power unit, etc.) and transported in a pre-configured state. The modular design allows these components to be prepared in advance at the first drill site and then quickly reassembled at the second drill site, reducing on-site reassembly time and minimizing opportunities for operator errors
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling rig is divided into discrete, transportable modules that can be independently handled and reassembled. This segmentation enables efficient transportation logistics and streamlined reassembly procedures at the new location, balancing transport capability with time efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support structure is disassembled for transport, then the rig can be moved, but the process is time-consuming and delays drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be disassembled into manageable sections for transport and then quickly reassembled. The modular support structures can be configured in different states (assembled for drilling, disassembled for transport) enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent structural changes
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure components are prepared and positioned in advance for efficient reassembly. By having pre-fabricated support structure sections and pre-positioned components, the reassembly process at the new drill site is accelerated, minimizing delays to drilling operations while maintaining full transportability
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that includes a body structurally arranged to carry a portion of a drilling rig; a first actuator coupled to the body; a first wheeled support coupled to the first actuator, wherein actuation of the first actuator moves the first wheeled support in a vertical direction relative to the body; and a plurality of unit fasteners located on the body, each of the plurality of unit fasteners structurally arranged to engage a rig fastener of a corresponding plurality of rig fasteners located on the drilling rig and to simultaneously couple the body to the drilling rig at multiple points.