Vision-Guided Riser Bolt Robotics for Safer Offshore Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling operations face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting riser joints, as current methods require manual manipulation of bolts, posing risks to workers and being time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with robotic arms and multi-function tools, equipped with cameras and servo motors, is used to automate the connection and disconnection of riser joints by analyzing images to determine bolt locations and orientations, and performing tasks such as tightening and loosening bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual manipulation of riser bolts is used to connect or disconnect riser joints, then workers can perform the task with simple tools, but workers are exposed to risk of injury or death and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. A robotic arm equipped with a multi-function tool manipulator performs bolt manipulation tasks that were previously done manually. The system includes a robotic arm, multi-function tool manipulator, camera system for vision guidance, and control system that coordinates these components to automatically connect or disconnect riser joints, eliminating worker exposure to hazards while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-function tool manipulator as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the riser bolts. This manipulator serves as a mediator that can perform multiple functions (grasping, manipulating, tightening, loosening) and protects workers by completely automating the dangerous bolt manipulation tasks. The manipulator works in coordination with the robotic arm and camera system to achieve safe and efficient operation
2Productivity
If workers manually manipulate individual riser bolts using wrenches, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the operation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual wrench operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm moves precisely to position the multi-function tool manipulator at each bolt location, and the camera system provides real-time vision guidance. The control system coordinates these movements and manipulations automatically, dramatically reducing the time required for connecting or disconnecting riser joints compared to manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system enables continuous operation without the interruptions inherent in manual work. The robotic arm can continuously move between bolts, the manipulator can continuously manipulate fasteners, and the camera system continuously provides guidance. This eliminates idle time between operations and maintains continuous productive action throughout the connection or disconnection process
3Productivity
If a robotic system with camera and servo motors is used to automate bolt manipulation, then worker safety is improved and efficiency increases, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-function tool manipulator that can perform multiple operations (grasping, manipulating, tightening, loosening) with a single device. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for multiple specialized tools and operators, justifying the investment in automation by providing versatile capability that improves both safety and efficiency across various operational tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system provides real-time visual feedback to the control system, enabling precise positioning and manipulation of bolts. The feedback loop allows the robotic system to detect bolt locations, orientations, and manipulation status, and adjust its actions accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate and efficient operation, maximizing the productivity benefits of the automated system
Data Source
AI summary
The system for making or breaking the riser includes a robotic system. The robotic system includes one or more robotic arms configured to be disposed on a spider deck, and one or more riser-connection manipulation tools each having a camera and being configured to manipulate a riser connection, the camera being configured to capture an image of an object, wherein each robotic arm is configured to couple to one riser-connection manipulation tool. Further the system for making or breaking the riser includes a control system. The control system includes a robot controller in communication with the one or more robotic arms and configured to control the one or more robotic arms. The system for making or breaking the riser is configured to analyze the image to determine the location and orientation of the object and transmit the location and orientation of the object to the robot controller.