Rotating Head Box Assembly with Integrated Seal Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rotating head assemblies in well drilling require extensive downtime for assembly and disassembly, and existing sealing and lubrication methods are inefficient, leading to increased costs and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A rotating head assembly with an integrated seal surface on the inner barrel, metal encased spring loaded seals, a clamping mechanism, and a box assembly that allows for quick assembly and disassembly, along with continuous pressurized flushing and lubrication, eliminating the need for bolts and ensuring constant load on bearings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional rotating head assemblies are used with traditional sealing and assembly methods, then assembly and disassembly can be performed, but extensive downtime is required and operational efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime for assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating head assembly is divided into modular components including a box assembly with bearing elements, seal assemblies, and an inner barrel that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows rapid replacement of worn components without disassembling the entire rotating head, significantly reducing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ball lock mechanism is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with grooves on the drill stem when the drill stem is inserted. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment and fastening operations during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional seals and lubrication methods are used, then basic sealing and lubrication functions are provided, but seal life is limited and debris intrusion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal lifeVSAvoiddebris intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A wear ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the seal and the drill stem. This wear ring can be replaced independently when worn, protecting the more expensive seal components from debris and wear, thereby extending seal life and preventing debris intrusion into the bearing assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded seal assembly maintains continuous contact with the drill stem surface, ensuring constant sealing pressure throughout operation. The spring compensation mechanism automatically adjusts for wear and thermal expansion, maintaining reliable sealing without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional bearing lubrication is used, then basic lubrication is provided, but bearing life is limited and constant lubrication supply cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing lifeVSAvoidmaintenance needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly includes an integrated lubrication system with lubricant reservoirs and channels that automatically supply lubricant to bearing surfaces during rotation. The design incorporates lubricant circulation paths that ensure continuous lubrication without external intervention, extending bearing life and reducing maintenance frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If simple assembly mechanisms are used, then assembly is straightforward, but constant load on bearings cannot be ensured and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconstant load on bearings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ball lock mechanism utilizes spring force as a variable parameter that automatically adjusts to maintain constant load on the bearing elements. As the drill stem rotates and wear occurs, the spring compresses and extends to compensate, maintaining optimal loading conditions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design reduces downtime, extends the life of seals and bearings, prevents debris intrusion, and enables round-the-clock operation by maintaining a constant lubrication supply, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

metal encased spring loaded seals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

box assembly that provides for quick assembly and disassembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

continuous pressurized flushing and lubrication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS8245772B1Extended wear ball lock for rotating head

Publication Date: 2012.08.21 PRUITT TOOL & SUPPLY

AI summary

An improved rotating head that utilizes a box assembly that stores at least one locking element that allows for movement of the locking balls within the box assembly such that a liner inserted into the box assembly biases the locking elements to a locked position to couple the box assembly and the outer barrel. An integrated wear surface of the present invention seals the bearing elements to extend the life of the rotating head and reduce downtime caused by necessary maintenance of the rotating head.