Rig Movement Assembly with Steering Cam Arm Brackets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for moving heavy equipment like drilling rigs lack the capability for automatic directional positioning and steering without manual intervention, requiring manual rotation and positioning of components.

Innovation Solution

A rig movement and rotation assembly featuring pairs of vertical lifting jacks with roller assemblies and skid pads, connected to a turntable via a roller track, and a steering cam arm bracket with a connecting link and actuator for automatic directional positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual rotation and positioning of jack pads is used, then the system structure is simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic directional positioning and steering without manual intervention. The control system automatically controls the rotation of roller assemblies and positioning of lifting jacks, making the system serve itself rather than requiring external manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system. The control system electronically controls the rotation actuators and lifting jack positioning, substituting manual mechanical manipulation with automated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated steering system is implemented, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity worsens due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system serves multiple functions: it controls the rotation of roller assemblies, manages the positioning of lifting jacks, and coordinates the overall movement and steering of the substructure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating control operations into a single automated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated control system enables the equipment to perform directional positioning and steering autonomously without manual intervention, achieving self-service operation that enhances automation extent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If incremental movement system with fine tune mechanism is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic positioning control where the roller assemblies can be rotated to precise angular positions and the lifting jacks can be positioned incrementally. The control system enables dynamic adjustment and fine-tuning of positions without requiring complex mechanical fine-tune mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors and controls the position of roller assemblies and lifting jacks, enabling precise positioning through automated feedback control rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 the automatic and incremental movement of heavy equipment in any direction, eliminating the need for manual intervention in steering and positioning, enhancing efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The rollers engage a flat surface on a roller track

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Each of the vertical lifting jacks moves between a retracted and an extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

A pair of parallel skidding cylinders incrementally moves the roller housing and rollers on the roller track

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9415819B2Rig movement and rotation assembly
Publication Date: 2016.08.16 WOOLSLAYER
  • US9415819B2 patent drawing
  • US9415819B2 patent drawing
  • US9415819B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rig movement and rotation assembly, which includes a first pair of vertical lifting jacks and a second pair of vertical lifting jacks. Each of the vertical lifting jacks has an upper end connected to a rig substructure and a lower end. A roller assembly is connected to the lower end of each of the vertical lifting jacks with each roller assembly rotatable on an axis. A steering cam arm bracket extends from each roller assembly. A first connecting link joins the steering cam arm brackets from the first pair of lifting jacks together and a second connecting link joins the steering cam arm brackets from the second pair of lifting jacks together. An actuator extends or retracts the length of each of the connecting links. A skid jack for each of the vertical lifting jacks engages with the roller assembly.