Toothed Belt Drive With Auto-Tensioning for Vacuum Handlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum handlers for drill pipe handling suffer from inefficiencies in power transmission, leading to potential worker injuries and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum material handler system utilizing a belt drive mechanism with a toothed drive belt and auto-tensioning system for reliable power transmission between a power device and vacuum pump, ensuring proper belt tension without manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional power transmission system is used in the vacuum handler, then the system can operate, but it leads to worker injuries and equipment damage due to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical power transmission systems (gears, chains, belts) with a direct drive system where the engine crankshaft is directly coupled to the vacuum pump shaft. This eliminates intermediate mechanical components that can fail, slip, or cause injuries, thereby improving operational safety and eliminating harmful factors associated with traditional mechanical transmissions.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual belt tensioning is used, then the belt drive system can be assembled, but it requires intuitive adjustment and frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tensioned belt arrangement where the belt is pre-tensioned during assembly to maintain optimal tension automatically. The belt tensioning system is designed to self-adjust and maintain proper tension without requiring manual intervention or intuitive adjustment, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while keeping assembly simple.
3Power
If a belt drive system is used for power transmission, then the system can transmit power, but it requires proper tensioning that is difficult to assess intuitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tensioned belt arrangement with automatic tension maintenance features that eliminate the need for operators to intuitively assess belt tension. The system self-regulates to maintain optimal tension for efficient power transmission, making the tension assessment unnecessary while preserving power transmission efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional power transmission components are used, then the system can be constructed, but it increases device complexity and maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate power transmission components (gears, chains, traditional belts) from the system, extracting only the essential direct coupling between the engine crankshaft and vacuum pump shaft. This simplification reduces device complexity and maintenance needs while preserving the ability to construct and operate the system.
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
Enhances reliability, reduces maintenance needs, lowers costs, and minimizes worker injuries and equipment damage by providing a more efficient and durable power transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum material handler includes a vacuum beam having a lower end and a vacuum pad proximate the lower end of the vacuum beam... Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad is used to grasp and release drill pipe
Implementation Method 2
A belt may be received on the output and input pulleys. The belt spans between the output shaft of the power device and the input shaft of the vacuum pump for transmitting power from the power device to the vacuum pump
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for moving objects such as drill, pipe with vacuum power. A vacuum beam (14) is mounted on a boom. A vacuum pad (12) is pivotally attached to the vacuum beam (14). A power device (18) is operatively connected to a vacuum pump (16) with a drive belt (32) for creating vacuum pressure. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad (12) is used to grasp and release the object, e.g., the drill pipe.