Pump-Jack Safety Lock Device Prevents Friction Slippage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety devices for pump-jacks rely on friction, which can lead to slippage and pose safety hazards, and require operators to enter the rotation area for activation, limiting remote operation and maintenance access.
Innovation Solution
A safety lock device that securely engages the rotating members of a pump-jack using an engagement member and mounting frame, actuated between locked and unlocked positions via hydraulic or electric means, allowing remote operation and preventing rotation without relying on friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drum brake relying on friction is used to prevent pump-jack movement, then the brake mechanism can be simple in structure, but it can slip and create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based drum brake mechanism with a mechanical locking system consisting of a locking pin, locking plate, and cam mechanism. This substitution eliminates reliance on friction by using direct mechanical engagement through the locking pin that extends through the brake drum to engage with the locking plate, providing positive locking without slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking pin for direct engagement, a locking plate with engagement slots, and a cam mechanism for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the locking pin providing the actual locking action while the cam mechanism handles the locking and unlocking operations.
2Reliability
If a chain is passed over the pump arm and secured to the base using a boomer, then added safety is provided by direct locking, but an operator must enter the rotation area placing themselves in danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary that allows the locking pin to be actuated remotely. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion from a handwheel into linear motion of the locking pin, enabling the operator to lock or unlock the brake from outside the rotation area without needing to physically approach the moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual chain and boomer system requiring operator entry into the rotation area is replaced by a mechanical linkage system with the cam mechanism and handwheel. This substitution allows remote operation of the locking function, eliminating the need for operators to enter dangerous zones while maintaining the direct mechanical locking capability.
3Reliability
If a chain through the sheave is used to lock the pump-jack, then the rotating member is locked directly, but it impedes or prevents replacement of the belt
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic and reversible through the cam mechanism. The locking pin can be quickly retracted by rotating the cam in the opposite direction, allowing the brake drum to rotate freely again. This dynamic capability enables rapid transition between locked and unlocked states, facilitating maintenance operations like belt replacement without permanent obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, independent mechanism rather than being integrated into the drive system components like the chain through the sheave. The locking pin and locking plate system operates independently from the belt and sheave assembly, allowing maintenance of the drive system without interference from the locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect the invention provides a safety lock device, for use with a pump-jack having a gear box and at least one rotating member, the safety lock device comprising an engagement member suitable for securely engaging the rotating member to prevent further substantial rotation of said rotating member and a mounting frame to mount the safety lock device to the gear box. The engagement member may be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position.