Self-Elevating Drilling Rig Platform Actuator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling rig equipment is prone to accidents and inefficient due to the need for numerous personnel, necessitating improved equipment for safer and more efficient operations.
Innovation Solution
A self-elevating substructure drilling rig system with a platform floor and mast, utilizing a drive carriage system with electric motors and pinion drive carriages to vertically move mast sections, and a platform raising system with hydraulic actuators to assemble and disassemble the rig efficiently, allowing for safer and more efficient drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional drilling rig equipment is used, then operations can be performed, but numerous personnel are required leading to accidents and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig platform is designed to elevate and position itself using integrated actuators and drive carriage systems, eliminating the need for numerous personnel to manually assemble and reposition the rig. The system performs its own positioning and assembly operations autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional manual mechanical assembly operations are replaced with automated actuator systems and electric motor-driven carriage mechanisms, reducing reliance on human labor and improving operational efficiency while minimizing accidents associated with manual operations
2Reliability
If manual assembly operations are used, then rig components can be assembled, but numerous personnel are required increasing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The platform performs self-elevation and self-positioning operations through integrated actuators, eliminating the need for personnel to perform dangerous manual assembly tasks. The system autonomously manages its own configuration and positioning
Solution Approach 2:
Actuators and drive carriage systems serve as intermediaries between the control system and physical rig components, performing hazardous mechanical operations that would otherwise require personnel to be in dangerous positions
3Productivity
If fixed rig configuration is used, then structure is stable, but reconfiguration for different drilling locations is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rig platform incorporates movable and adjustable components with actuators that enable dynamic reconfiguration. The drive carriage systems and elevatable platform allow the rig to be quickly repositioned and reconfigured for different drilling locations rather than being fixed in one position
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with pre-configured components allows for rapid assembly and reconfiguration. Components can be pre-positioned and then quickly deployed using the actuator systems, reducing the time required for reconfiguration between drilling locations
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 enhances safety and efficiency by reducing personnel requirements, enabling precise positioning of the rig floor and mast, and facilitating rapid reconfiguration for different drilling locations, thus minimizing accidents and operational inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
a platform raising system with hydraulic actuators to assemble and disassemble the rig efficiently
Implementation Method 2
a drive carriage system with electric motors and pinion drive carriages to vertically move mast sections
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a support; a first upper frame and a second upper frame each attached to the support; and removable actuators extending vertically from a base and located below the support and between the first and second upper frames, wherein the actuators are vertically extendable and retractable; wherein the actuators are adapted to engage the support and raise or lower the support upon the extension or retraction of each actuator; wherein the actuators are adapted to extend to a first height at which a first middle frame may be arranged below the first upper frame and a second middle frame may be arranged below the second upper frame; and wherein the actuators are adapted to retract to a second height at which the first middle frame may be attached to the first upper frame and the second middle frame may be attached to the second upper frame.