Rig Floor Utility Vehicle With Rail-Free Omnidirectional Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling rig systems face limitations in efficiently moving equipment and supplies around the rig floor, particularly due to the need for rail systems that can be hazardous and complex, and lack flexibility in navigation.

Innovation Solution

A drilling rig system featuring a utility vehicle with a self-propelled base, rotatable wheels that can pivot to change direction, and an anti-lift controller to prevent tipping, allowing for flexible movement across the rig floor without rails, equipped with various tools and sensors for stability and navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rail system is used to move equipment around the rig floor, then the movement path is constrained and controlled, but the system becomes complex and hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement controlVSAvoidrail system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the rail system entirely from the rig floor, extracting the constraint mechanism and replacing it with free-moving vehicles that navigate autonomously or under remote control, thereby eliminating the complexity and hazards of installed rails while maintaining movement control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical rail-guided system is replaced with a self-propelled vehicle system that uses drive apparatus and ground engaging motive apparatus for movement, substituting the fixed mechanical guidance infrastructure with mobile, self-contained propulsion and navigation systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a rail system is installed on the rig floor, then movement along fixed paths is enabled, but flexibility in navigation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement guidanceVSAvoidnavigation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static, fixed-path rail guidance to dynamic, adaptable vehicle navigation where the utility vehicles can change direction and route in real-time based on operational needs, achieving both ease of operation and navigation flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The utility vehicles are designed as multi-functional units that can perform various tasks (transporting equipment, supplies, personnel) and navigate to multiple locations across the rig floor, replacing the single-purpose rail system with versatile mobile platforms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If traditional moving systems are used, then equipment can be transported, but safety risks increase due to hazards on the rig floor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment transport efficiencyVSAvoidrig floor hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The utility vehicles are self-propelled with integrated drive apparatus and ground engaging motive apparatus, eliminating the need for manual handling or external lifting equipment, thereby reducing safety risks while maintaining transport efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The utility vehicles act as intermediary platforms between storage locations and work areas, providing controlled, stable transport of equipment and supplies while isolating personnel from direct handling hazards on the rig floor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11814905B2Drilling rig systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 MHWIRHT AS

AI summary

A drilling rig system includes a drilling rig having a floor which is generally planar, and a utility vehicle having a base, a drive apparatus, and a ground engaging motive apparatus upon which the base is supported on the floor. The drive apparatus drives the ground engaging motive apparatus to move the utility vehicle across the floor. The ground engaging motive apparatus is drivable so as to change a direction of travel of the utility vehicle at any point on the floor.