Hydraulic Piston Locking Device with Internal Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for hydraulic pistons in oil/natural gas drilling and production lack the ability to precisely determine the position of the piston and slide in real time, making it difficult to lock the piston at specific positions and preventing blow-outs effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a position sensor that extends through the rod and detects the distance between the piston and a fixed point, allowing for precise position detection and adjustment of the lock sleeve to fix the piston at desired positions, along with self-locking threads and a torque motor for controlled movement, and a safety clutch for protection against excessive loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a locking device is used without a position sensor, then the structure remains simple, but the position of the piston cannot be detected precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with a position sensor that uses magnetic or optical fields to detect piston position non-contactly, thereby achieving precise measurement without adding mechanical complexity to the locking device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensor acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the moving piston and the stationary locking device, providing position information without requiring direct mechanical contact or integration into the locking mechanism itself
2Productivity
If the lock sleeve is advanced quickly towards the piston, then the locking operation is faster, but damage may occur due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor provides advance warning of the piston's location, allowing the locking system to prepare for contact by controlling the advance speed of the lock sleeve, thereby preventing impact damage before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensor provides real-time feedback on piston location to the control system, which adjusts the lock sleeve advance speed dynamically based on the detected position, enabling fast operation while preventing excessive speed near the piston
3Reliability
If the hydraulic piston is locked without real-time position detection, then the locking device is simpler, but the closed position cannot be determined accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position indication methods with electronic position sensors that provide reliable digital signals for determining closed position, enhancing reliability without requiring complex mechanical linkages or indicators in the locking device
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 precise and reproducible position determination of the piston and slide, preventing damage from excessive movement and ensuring accurate locking, even in the absence of power, while maintaining operational reliability and ease of integration with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor, which extends from a fixed point through a longitudinal bore of the rod up to the piston and by means of which a distance between the piston and the fixed point can be detected
Implementation Method 2
a lock sleeve, which is threadedly engaged with a rotatably supported rod for displacement in an axial direction
Implementation Method 3
self-locking threads and a torque motor for controlled movement
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device is used for locking at least a piston associated with an operating element of a valve, a choke, a blowout preventer or some other unit used in the field of oil/natural gas drilling and/or oil/natural gas production. The locking device comprises a sleeve, which is axially displaceable relative to the piston and which is threadedly engaged with a rotatably supported rod for displacement in an axial direction. The rod is drivingly connected to a motor. In order to be able to determine, by means of simple structural measures, the position of the piston for each of its positions in a sufficiently precise and reproducible manner, the locking device is provided with a position sensor, which extends from a fixed point through a longitudinal bore of the lock rod up to the hydraulic piston and by means of which a distance between the piston and the fixed point can be detected.