Pivoting Trolley Structure for Drill Rig Assembly Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of transporting and setting up drilling rigs is time-consuming and costly due to the heavy and bulky nature of equipment, particularly the blowout preventer, which requires disassembly and reassembly, involving multiple tasks and equipment reattachment.
Innovation Solution
A drill rig system featuring a box substructure with a trolley structure that can pivot from a transport position to an operating position, allowing the blowout preventer to be lifted and positioned under the drill floor using hoists connected to tracks, eliminating the need for reattachment during assembly and reducing the number of disassembly and assembly tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blowout preventer and hoisting equipment are transported independently and reattached during assembly, then the equipment can meet transportation regulations, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hoisting equipment with the box substructure by permanently attaching the trolley structure to the box frame. This merging eliminates the need to transport and reattach hoisting equipment separately, reducing assembly time while maintaining transportation compliance through proper load distribution design
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley structure is pre-assembled and permanently attached to the box substructure before transportation. This preliminary action ensures that the hoisting capability is already integrated into the substructure, eliminating the need for reattachment during site assembly and reducing overall project time
2Productivity
If the trolley structure is permanently attached to the box substructure, then hoisting equipment reattachment is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley structure serves multiple functions: it provides hoisting capability, acts as a support structure, and enables equipment positioning. By integrating these functions into a single permanently attached component, the patent reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
3Ease of operation
If the trolley structure protrudes from the medial side of the box frame, then the blowout preventer can be positioned under the drill floor, but the transport dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley structure is designed to be movable along tracks on the box substructure, allowing it to extend when equipment positioning is needed and retract or be positioned optimally during transportation. This dynamic capability enables the system to achieve both positioning functionality and transportation efficiency
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 saves time and increases efficiency by keeping equipment attached during transportation and assembly, reducing the complexity of reattaching hoists and positioning systems, thus making the drill rig more productive and profitable.
Implementation Method 1
The hoist may be capable of lifting over 2,000 pounds
Implementation Method 2
multiple arms where each of the multiple arms includes a first end pivotally attached to the medial side of the box substructure and a second end pivotally attached to a trolley beam
Data Source
AI summary
A box substructure for a drill rig has a box frame including a medial side oriented towards a space located under a drill floor of the drill rig. A trolley structure is connected to the box frame and protrudes away from the medial side. The trolley structure also has an overhanging end opposite of the medial side.