Proppant Container Gate Opener With Automated Gear Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic fracturing operations face delays due to manually operated screw-jacks for opening and closing proppant containers, which hinder efficient proppant dispensing.
Innovation Solution
An automated gate assembly with a gear system and remote control mechanism for proppant containers, utilizing a movable plate and gear tracks, driven by a lever arm and motor, allowing for precise and efficient proppant dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a manually operated screw-jack is used to open and close the gate, then the gate assembly is simple in structure, but operational delays occur and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual screw-jack mechanism with an automated actuation system that uses a motor-driven gear mechanism. The motor (240) drives a gear (242) that engages with a gear track (214) on the movable plate (210), automatically opening and closing the gate without manual intervention, thereby eliminating operational delays while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gate assembly is designed to be automatically actuated by the proppant flow itself. When proppant accumulates to a certain level in the reservoir (204), it automatically triggers the gate opening mechanism through the gear system, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and operation, thus improving productivity
2Loss of time
If a manually operated screw-jack is used, then the device complexity is low, but time loss increases due to operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The manual screw-jack is replaced with an automated motor-driven gear system that rapidly opens and closes the gate. The motor (240) provides immediate actuation response, dramatically reducing gate actuation time from minutes to seconds, while the gear mechanism (242, 214) provides precise control with minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gate closure mechanism is designed to automatically close when proppant flow stops or reaches a predetermined level. The gear system (242, 214) is pre-configured to engage and disengage at appropriate moments, eliminating delays associated with manual monitoring and response time
3Productivity
If an automated gate assembly with gear system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motor-driven gear mechanism (240, 242, 214) to automate gate actuation, significantly improving proppant dispensing efficiency by eliminating manual operation delays. The gear system provides reliable mechanical transmission with reasonable complexity, achieving automated control without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate (210) serves multiple functions: it acts as the gate closure element, provides a mounting surface for the gear track (214), and serves as a structural component of the reservoir (204). This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high productivity
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 rapid and automated proppant dispensing, reducing operational delays and enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The movable plate includes a gear track and a system of gears. The system of gears includes at least one cog positioned to engage the gear track for linear shifting motion of the plate between the first position and the second position.
Implementation Method 2
A lever arm is pivotally mounted to the sled, and has a drive gear together with a mechanism, such as a hydraulic, electric or pneumatic motor, mounted on the lever arm for driving the drive gear.
Implementation Method 3
A selectively extensible piston-cylinder is connected to the lever arm for movement thereof between a position of engagement where the drive gear is placed into engagement with the driven gear
Implementation Method 4
A selectively extensible piston-cylinder is connected to the lever arm for movement thereof between a position of engagement where the drive gear is placed into engagement with the driven gear
Data Source
AI summary
An automated gate actuator system is provided for use in selectively opening and closing a gate that dispenses proppant from a proppant container during the course of a hydraulic fracturing operation. A lever arm is pivotally mounted for movement to place a drive gear in contact with a driven gear to open and close the gate. The gate may be remotely or autonomously actuated in this manner utilizing an electronic control triggered by human and/or sensor input.