Retractable Trailer Axle Assembly for Stable Pipe Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailers used for transporting pipe sections in oil drilling operations lack stability during pipe removal and are not designed for safe and efficient vertical and horizontal movement, leading to instability and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A trailer with retractable axles and a hydraulic system that allows the frame to move vertically and horizontally, featuring leaf springs and axle pin groups for stabilization and movement control, enabling safe and stable operation during transport and pipe removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the trailer frame is elevated above the wheels during transport, then mobility is improved, but stability during pipe removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The axle assembly is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between two states: elevated for transport and lowered for stability. The hydraulic cylinder system enables the axle to move between these positions, allowing the trailer to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both mobility during transport and stability during pipe removal operations.
2Device complexity
If the axle is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is improved, but operational versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The axle assembly incorporates a hydraulic lifting mechanism that enables positional adjustment between elevated and lowered states. This dynamic capability provides operational versatility for both transport and stable positioning modes, while the hydraulic system maintains relatively simple integration with the existing trailer frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable axle assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during transport when elevated, enables stable positioning during pipe removal when lowered, and can be repositioned as needed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing a single axle system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate specialized structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is lowered to contact the surface for stability, then stability during pipe removal is improved, but mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder system enables the axle assembly to be dynamically repositioned between lowered (stable) and elevated (mobile) states. During pipe removal operations, the axle is lowered to provide stability. When transport is required, the axle is elevated to restore mobility. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve both stability and mobility at different operational phases.
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
The trailer provides a stable and mobile platform for transporting and removing pipe sections, enhancing safety and efficiency by allowing the frame to lower and stabilize on the surface, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The axle is rotatably mounted to the first leaf spring. A second leaf spring is connected to the frame, and the axle is also rotatably mounted to the second leaf spring.
Implementation Method 2
first and second hydraulic cylinders connected to the bracket. The axle pin group further includes a first axle pin interconnected to the first hydraulic cylinder (the first hydraulic cylinder controlling movement of the first axle pin) and a second axle pin interconnected to the second hydraulic cylinder (the second hydraulic cylinder controlling movement of the second axle pin)
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a trailer having a frame suitable for transporting an item, such as an oil drilling pipe. The trailer includes a plurality of stabilizers for supporting the frame over a surface, at least one axle attached to a plurality of wheels. The trailer further includes an axle pin group includes first and second axle pins interconnected to respective hydraulic cylinders. The trailer further includes leaf springs connected to respective sides of the frame and mounted to the axle. Retraction of the axle pins away from the leaf springs enables movement of the frame with respect to the axle due to the weight of the frame, if the stabilizers are retracted. In this configuration, the frame can be raised and lowered with respect to the surface. Methods of use are also disclosed.