Rod Elevator Axial Extension Eliminates Horsehead Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rod elevator systems face challenges in safely and efficiently connecting to the polished rod due to interference between the horsehead and traveling block, which hinders the removal of the sucker rod string from the well.

Innovation Solution

A rod elevator with a first and second latching mechanism connected to arms, allowing for axial alignment and connection of rods without direct contact, preventing interference between the horsehead and traveling block, facilitating the removal of the polished rod.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the traveling block is positioned near the horsehead for rod elevator connection, then the connection process can be completed, but contact between the horsehead and traveling block interferes with safe and efficient positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod elevator positioningVSAvoidcontact interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the rod elevator body in the axial direction to create a longer rod receiving space. This dimensional extension allows the rod elevator to engage the polished rod at a position farther from the horsehead, changing the spatial dimension of engagement and eliminating the harmful contact between the traveling block and horsehead while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sucker rod string is removed for well servicing, then maintenance can be performed, but the removal process becomes complex due to interference between equipment components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell servicing capabilityVSAvoidremoval process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful contact element by extending the rod elevator body to engage the rod at a position that eliminates interference with the horsehead and traveling block. This separation of the engagement zone from the interference zone simplifies the removal process while maintaining the ability to service the well

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Speed

If the rod elevator is suspended from the traveling block for rod connection, then the rod can be lifted, but the positioning is hindered by contact between horsehead and traveling block

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod lifting efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By extending the rod elevator body axially to create a longer rod receiving space, the patent enables engagement at a position that removes the traveling block from the interference zone near the horsehead. This maintains lifting speed while dramatically improving positioning ease by eliminating contact interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9580978B2Rod elevator

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 RECIPROCATING ROD ELEVATOR SYST

AI summary

A rod elevator including a first latching mechanism and a second latching mechanism connected to one another in a spaced apart relationship for connecting a pair of rods to one another in an axially aligned relationship. Each of the latching mechanisms has a rod receiving space axially aligned with a rod receiving space of the other latching mechanism.