Static Sleeve Line Stabilizer for Derrick Cable Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional stabilizers for managing fast-moving derrick cables on oil rigs are cumbersome, prone to part loss, and pose safety risks due to their complex structure and high number of moving parts, which can lead to dangerous failures and equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

A stabilizer system with a reduced number of parts, featuring a static sleeve-type guide jacket and fortifying bracket, designed to securely attach to the derrick cable and withstand lateral motions, using a hang line assembly and triangle cabling setup to maintain position and control cable movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional stabilizers with multiple moving parts (plates, wheels, axles, bearings) are used to stabilize the derrick cable, then the cable stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the reliability decreases due to part loss and projectile risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable stabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes all moving parts (wheels, axles, bearings, plates) from the stabilizer system, extracting only the essential function of cable guidance and stabilization. The simplified design uses a stationary guide structure that eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining cable control during high-speed spooling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizer is divided into distinct functional segments: a guide structure for cable alignment, a damping mechanism for lateral motion control, and a mounting system for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex interactions between multiple moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional stabilizers with many moving parts are used to control cable motion, then the cable stabilization function is improved, but the reliability worsens due to part loss and dangerous failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable stabilizationVSAvoidpart loss risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

All removable parts that could become projectiles are extracted from the system. The design uses only permanently mounted, securely fastened components that cannot be lost or thrown during operation, eliminating the reliability issues associated with traditional stabilizers while maintaining effective cable stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates secure mounting features and robust fastening mechanisms that prevent part failure before it can occur. The structure is designed to withstand the forces generated during high-speed cable spooling without experiencing component failure or part loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a static sleeve-type guide system is used to reduce the number of parts, then the reliability is improved by reducing part loss, but the cable stabilization capability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepart loss preventionVSAvoidlateral motion control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The static guide structure incorporates localized damping features and friction elements at specific contact points where lateral motion occurs. This allows the predominantly static system to provide effective stabilization without requiring moving parts, maintaining reliability while controlling cable motion where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A damping medium or friction element is introduced as an intermediary between the guide structure and the cable. This intermediary provides the necessary lateral motion control through controlled friction and energy dissipation, enabling a static system to achieve dynamic stabilization effects without moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a safer and more reliable means of stabilizing derrick cables by reducing the likelihood of part loss and damage, while effectively damping lateral motions and maintaining stability during high-speed operations.

Implementation Method 1

A stabilizer may provide a damping effect on the side-to-side swinging of the derrick cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The guide jacket having a static sleeve configured to allow the liner to pass through the guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3383788B1Line stabilizer
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 NAT OILWELL VARCO LP
  • EP3383788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3383788B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3383788B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A stabilizer for a line including a guide (1008) configured for arrangement on the line to resist and/or damp lateral motions of the line comprising a guide jacket (1010) having a static sleeve (1032, 1034) configured to allow the line to pass through the guide and a liner (1052, 1054, 1055) housed within the guide jacket and having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the inner diameter defining an opening (1030) to allow the line to pass through the guide, the liner comprising a resilient wear-resistant material.