Roller Latch Assembly for Rapid Power Swivel Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque management systems for power swivels in drilling rigs are cumbersome, prone to hardware damage, and pose safety risks due to frequent assembly and disassembly, leading to inefficiencies and potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly for power swivels that allows for rapid attachment and detachment, featuring a first and second portion with rollers and handles, enabling quick engagement and disengagement of torque reaction cables, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing safety hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional torque reaction cable systems are used with frequent assembly and disassembly, then torque management capability is maintained, but safety risks and hardware damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into multiple portions (first portion with first body and handle, second portion with second body and handle) that can independently engage and disengage. This segmentation allows for rapid attachment and detachment operations while maintaining secure torque management connection, reducing the frequency of manual handling and associated safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly incorporates automatic latching mechanisms where the handles and bodies self-engage when positioned correctly, eliminating the need for complex manual fastening operations. The system serves itself by automatically securing the torque reaction cable, reducing operational complexity and improving safety.
2Productivity
If traditional cable attachment methods are used, then torque reaction is achieved, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly transitions from static, fixed attachment methods to dynamic, rapidly deployable connection. The handles can be quickly moved between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the system to rapidly adapt to operational needs and significantly reducing the time required for assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is pre-configured with handles and bodies positioned to engage automatically when the torque reaction cable is inserted. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex step-by-step fastening procedures, allowing for rapid attachment and significantly reducing operational time.
3Reliability
If manual handling of torque reaction cables is required, then cable attachment is possible, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the torque reaction cable. Instead of direct manual handling, the operator interacts with the handles which automatically engage the cable through the body portions. This intermediary system reduces manual handling requirements and associated safety hazards while maintaining secure cable attachment.
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 latch assembly enhances safety and efficiency by facilitating quick and secure attachment/detachment of torque reaction cables, reducing operational time and costs while maintaining torque management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first housing may include an at least one roller
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly having a first portion configured to couple with a second portion. The first portion has a housing, a body, and handle, and the second portion has a respective housing, body, and handle. In a closed position, a feature or surface of the first portion body is engaged to a respective feature or surface of the second portion handle.