Modular Torque Track Assembly Friction Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling rigs with modular torque track assemblies face challenges in versatility, strength of engagement, and insert wear management, as they require fasteners that can lead to premature replacement and assembly errors.

Innovation Solution

A modular torque track assembly with a quick release fastening device and inserts engaged without fasteners, utilizing corner ridges and interlocking tabs for secure engagement and wear management, allowing for complete wear-down of inserts before replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If modular torque track assembly uses bolts and flanges for connection, then assembly strength is sufficient, but assembly complexity increases and assembly time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes fasteners (bolts and flanges) from the connection system entirely, extracting the problematic element that caused assembly complexity. Instead, it uses a friction-based interface between the torque track slide assembly and modular torque track assembly that eliminates the need for traditional mechanical fasteners while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (bolts and flanges) with a friction-based mechanical interface. The connection relies on friction forces generated by normal forces between contacting surfaces, substituting the multi-component fastening mechanism with a simpler friction-based system that reduces assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If inserts are retained with fasteners, then insert retention is secure, but fasteners may engage prematurely when inserts are worn down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert retentionVSAvoidinsert service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes fasteners from the insert retention system, extracting the element that caused premature engagement issues. Inserts are retained through friction and normal forces between the torque track slide assembly and inserts, eliminating the fastener interface that would otherwise engage before inserts are fully worn down.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the friction-based retention system to accommodate insert wear throughout the entire service life of the inserts. The friction interface maintains reliable retention even as inserts wear down, providing a cushioning effect that prevents premature failure and allows inserts to be used until completely worn.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If torque track slide assembly uses traditional fastening methods, then connection is secure, but assembly and disassembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes fasteners from the torque track slide assembly connection system, eliminating the time-consuming fastening and unfastening operations. The friction-based connection allows for rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure connection through friction forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical fastening system with a friction-based connection system. The normal forces and friction between contacting surfaces provide secure connection without requiring multiple fastening operations, significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If modular torque track assembly uses quick release fastening device, then assembly speed increases, but engagement strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidengagement strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the quick release fastening device with a friction-based connection system. The friction interface, generated by normal forces between the torque track slide assembly and modular torque track assembly, provides engagement strength comparable to or exceeding quick release devices, while enabling even faster assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8636056B1Drilling rig with torque track slide assembly

Publication Date: 2014.01.28 KEAST LARRY G

AI summary

A drilling rig for use in drilling wells having a top drive with a slide assembly configured to engage, slide on, and react torque to a modular torque track assembly. The modular torque track assembly connects between the top of a derrick and lower structure of the drilling rig. The modular torque track assembly can have a top track, one or more middle tracks, and a bottom track allowing the modular torque track to be various lengths for various applications. The torque track sections are connectable with unique locking devices which allow a man in a suspended sling to quickly and safely make or break each connection. There are no loose parts in the design to accidentally drop and hurt a person below.