Self-Aligning Pivot Arm Support Frame for Drill Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling operations require precise alignment of drill rods or casings with the drill head, which is time-consuming and challenging, especially when dealing with varying sizes and misalignments during thread engagement.
Innovation Solution
A support frame assembly with adjustable pivot arms, springs, and actuators that allows for self-alignment and flexible positioning of objects relative to the drill head, enabling proper thread engagement without the need for precise initial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed device is used to maintain precise alignment between objects and drill head, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame assembly incorporates movable support members with adjustable arms that can dynamically adapt their position and orientation. The arms can pivot and extend to accommodate misaligned objects, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptive one that maintains alignment precision without requiring complex fixed positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The support members feature adjustable parameters including arm length, pivot angles, and support member positions. These parameters can be modified to match the specific dimensions and alignment requirements of different objects, allowing the system to maintain precise alignment while accommodating variations in object size and orientation
2Reliability
If precise initial alignment is required for thread engagement, then thread engagement quality is improved, but operation time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame assembly performs preliminary alignment actions by automatically adjusting its support members to compensate for misalignments before thread engagement begins. The adjustable arms pre-position objects at optimal orientations, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures while ensuring proper thread engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment through its adjustable support members that automatically adapt to object positions. The arms can independently pivot and extend to guide misaligned objects into proper engagement positions without requiring external intervention or precise initial positioning by operators
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system accommodates various sizes of objects, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame assembly uses universal adjustable components including pivot arms and support members that can serve multiple functions across different object sizes. The same arm mechanism can accommodate both small and large objects by adjusting its extension and angle, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixtures and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is divided into modular segments including multiple independent pivot arms and adjustable support members. Each segment can be independently positioned and configured, allowing the system to adapt to various object sizes through combinatorial arrangements rather than requiring a completely different structure for each size category
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 efficient and precise engagement of drill rods or casings with the drill head, accommodating various sizes and misalignments, reducing the complexity and time required for alignment while preventing thread damage.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment member may be a first spring and a second spring configured to adjust pressure on the associated object for threadably engaging and disengaging the associated object relative to the associated drill head
Data Source
AI summary
A support frame assembly comprises a base and an object support member having a first position and a second position. The support frame assembly may also include a plurality of pivot arms operatively connected to the base and the object support member. At least one of the pivot arms may have an actuator for moving the object support member form the first position to the second position. The support frame assembly may also include an adjustment member operatively connected to one of the plurality of pivot arms to adjust a position of the object support member relative to the base for self-alignment between an object such as a tubular member and a drill head.