Top Drive Multi-Coupler with Radial Latch for Bidirectional Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional top drives require manual and time-consuming connection of supply lines, posing safety risks to rig personnel due to the need for threaded connections that only allow rotation in a single direction.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system for top drives and tools featuring a housing with a latch member and lock member that can be radially and longitudinally moved to securely connect and disconnect, allowing bidirectional rotation and facilitating the connection of supply lines through a tool dock with quick connection pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection of supply lines is used between top drive and tool, then connection can be made, but it is time-consuming and dangerous to rig personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-aligning and self-connecting functionality where the quick connection pins automatically engage with corresponding receptacles when the adapter is inserted into the housing, eliminating the need for manual connection operations by rig personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical connection operations with an automated quick-connect mechanism that uses spring-loaded pins and receptacles to automatically establish mechanical and utility connections between the top drive and tool
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connection is used between top drive and tool, then connection can be made, but rotation is restricted to single direction
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: the adapter with quick connection pins, the housing with receptacles, and the latch member, allowing independent optimization of each component for bidirectional rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic quick-connect mechanism where the latch member can be rapidly engaged and disengaged, enabling flexible bidirectional rotation while maintaining secure connection
3Productivity
If conventional top drive connection system is used, then connection can be made, but manual operation is required which increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connection pins automatically engage with receptacles when the adapter is inserted into the housing, and the latch member self-actuates through hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to secure the connection, eliminating manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates hydraulic or pneumatic pressure into mechanical locking action, automating the connection process and eliminating the need for manual operation by rig personnel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~6
AI summary
In one embodiment, a coupling system for a top drive and a tool includes a housing of the top drive having a bore therethrough, an adapter of the tool, a latch member at least partially disposed within the housing and radially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the latch member is configured to longitudinally couple the housing to the adapter, and a lock member at least partially disposed within the housing and longitudinally movable relative to the housing, wherein the lock member is configured to move the latch member between the extended and the retracted positions.