Modular Torque Track Assembly With Locking Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular torque track assemblies in drilling rigs face challenges with variability in length, weak engagement between components, and the need for frequent replacement of inserts due to wear, especially when using fasteners for attachment.
Innovation Solution
A modular torque track assembly with connecting pins and locking devices that provide strong engagement between components, and a torque track slide assembly with inserts retained by corner ridges or insert fasteners, allowing for complete wear without premature engagement and replacement, and featuring interlocking tabs and spaces for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If modular torque track assembly uses bolts and flanges for connection, then assembly strength is reduced, but ease of manufacture is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting pin and locking device into an integrated assembly that provides both connection and locking functions. The locking device includes a body with a locking surface that engages with a corresponding surface on adjacent track sections, eliminating the need for separate bolts and flanges while providing stronger engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular torque track assembly is divided into discrete track sections that can be independently manufactured and then connected through the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows for easier manufacture of individual components while the locking device ensures strong engagement when assembled.
2Ease of operation
If inserts are retained with fasteners, then ease of operation is improved, but insert lifespan is reduced due to premature engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fasteners from the insert retention system and replaces them with integral locking features molded directly into the insert components. The first insert has a first locking feature that engages with a corresponding feature on the slide assembly, and the second insert has a second locking feature, eliminating the need for separate fasteners that could interfere with track engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserts are made from wear-resistant composite materials that provide both the necessary mechanical properties for retention and the durability required for extended lifespan. The composite construction allows the inserts to withstand wear from track engagement without requiring frequent replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If torque track assembly is made modular, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed as a universal component that can connect any two track sections regardless of their specific position in the assembly. The locking device body includes a locking surface that engages with corresponding surfaces on adjacent sections, providing a standardized connection method that simplifies the overall assembly structure while enabling various length configurations.
4Ease of operation
If inserts extend beyond fastener recesses, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is reduced due to engagement with torque track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fasteners from the insert retention system entirely, replacing them with integral locking features. This eliminates the reliability issue of inserts engaging with the torque track, as the locking features are designed to retain inserts at the appropriate depth without requiring fasteners that could protrude and cause interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A top drive track and slide assembly for use in drilling wells having a torque track slide assembly configured to connect to a top drive, and a modular torque track assembly configured to engage the torque track slide assembly. The modular torque track assembly can connect on a drilling rig. The modular torque track assembly can have a top track, one or more middle tracks, and a bottom track. One of the middle tracks can connect to the top track, and one of the middle tracks can connect to the bottom track using locking devices and connecting pins. The modular torque track assembly can be configured to be various lengths for various applications. The torque track slide assembly can have inserts retained therein without fasteners, allowing the inserts to be completely worn down before requiring replacement.