Rod Handling System with Tilt and Scope Mechanisms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for handling sucker rods in the oil field industry result in rod damage, crew fatigue, and inefficiencies due to improper support and handling practices, leading to stress-induced bending and bowing, as well as prolonged handling times and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a crate and deployer that provides vertical support and secure storage for multiple rods, allowing for efficient transportation and installation by reducing manual handling and stress on the rods, featuring a tilt mechanism for vertical positioning and a scope mechanism for linear movement, enabling the use of powered equipment for rod handling and preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual handling methods are used to transport and install rods, then labor flexibility is maintained, but rod damage increases and worker fatigue occurs due to improper support and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rod handling system with specialized support devices as an intermediary between workers and rods. These devices include rod supports that maintain proper vertical alignment and prevent bending, rod carriers that transport multiple rods simultaneously, and coupling devices that facilitate safe connection. This intermediary system eliminates the need for workers to directly bear and manipulate rod weights, thereby preventing rod damage while reducing operational difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with a mechanized rod handling system. Powered devices such as hydraulic or electric rod lifts substitute for human strength in lifting and positioning rods. The system uses mechanical supports to maintain rod alignment during transport and installation, eliminating the improper handling that causes bending and damage. This substitution maintains operational control while significantly improving rod integrity.
2Productivity
If rods are carried manually from storage to wellbore and laid horizontally on ground, then equipment complexity is minimized, but handling time increases and rod stress-induced bending occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rod handling functions into an integrated system. The rod handling system merges transport, support, alignment, and installation functions into a coordinated mechanism that operates as a unified system. Rod carriers transport multiple rods simultaneously, while powered lifts and vertical supports work together to maintain proper orientation throughout the process. This integration dramatically increases handling speed while the modular design keeps system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary positioning and support actions before rods are fully installed. Rods are pre-positioned in vertical orientation using powered supports during transport, preventing bending before it occurs. The system prepares rods in advance with proper alignment and support, eliminating the need for corrective actions later. This preliminary action significantly reduces handling time and prevents stress-induced bending.
3Reliability
If two crew members carry each rod individually with proper support, then rod damage is minimized, but labor costs and handling time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rod handling operations into a single coordinated system. Instead of two crew members handling rods sequentially, the mechanized system transports and installs multiple rods simultaneously through integrated carriers and lifts. This merging of operations maintains proper rod support and alignment while reducing total handling time and labor requirements significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous rod handling operations without interruption. The powered rod handling system maintains constant vertical support and continuous transport flow, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual handling. Rods are continuously moved from storage through transport and installation in an unbroken sequence, maintaining integrity while maximizing handling speed and minimizing total time.
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 system significantly reduces rod damage, worker fatigue, and handling time, while increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs by providing continuous support and secure storage, allowing for the use of powered equipment to manage multiple rods simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
The tilt mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame between a horizontal position parallel to the bed frame upper surface and a vertical position normal to the bed frame upper surface
Implementation Method 2
The scope mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame linearly along its longitudinal extent
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a crate and a deployer. The crate is configured to contain a plurality of elongated rods; the crate has a length, width and height. The deployer includes a bed frame upper surface, a crate support frame, a tilt mechanism and a scope mechanism. The crate support frame includes an attachment mechanism configured for removable attachment of the crate, wherein the crate support frame has a longitudinal extent aligned with the length of an attached crate. The tilt mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame between a horizontal position parallel to the bed frame upper surface and a vertical position normal to the bed frame upper surface. The scope mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame linearly along its longitudinal extent. A method of deploying a plurality of rods to a selected location is also described.