Wireless Positioning Shoes for Drilling Rig Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling rig positioning systems lack individually addressable control, leading to complex and costly maintenance, inadequate feedback, and limited rotational control, resulting in inefficient and hazardous rig repositioning processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system with independently controllable positioning shoes equipped with wireless communication and hydraulic actuators, enabling precise 360° horizontal movement and vertical elevation, along with electronic feedback for accurate positioning and reduced downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known systems use centralized hydraulic lines throughout the framework to power positioning shoes, then the positioning shoes can be actuated, but the maintenance and repair of malfunctioning positioning shoes becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized hydraulic system into decentralized modular hydraulic power units, with each positioning shoe having its own independent unit. This segmentation allows individual positioning shoes to be maintained or replaced without affecting the entire system, eliminating the need for extensive hydraulic piping and making repairs simple and cost-effective.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known systems lack independent control of positioning shoes, then the system structure is simpler, but the capability to manipulate shoes for various positioning demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements independent control for each positioning shoe through separate hydraulic power units and individual control valves, allowing each shoe to be manipulated independently for various positioning demands while maintaining a manageable system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where each positioning shoe can be independently adjusted in real-time based on operational requirements, enabling adaptive positioning responses to changing field conditions.
3Loss of information
If known systems do not provide feedback operation or circuitry, then the system is simpler, but the operator has no information on how the positioning shoe is behaving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback circuits and indicators that provide real-time information to the operator about positioning shoe behavior, status, and operation, enabling informed decision-making while maintaining relatively simple implementation through basic sensing and indication systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If known systems lack effective slewing mechanism, then the system is simpler, but variable rotational control and variation are not permitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic slewing mechanism that enables variable rotational control of positioning shoes, allowing them to rotate and adjust their orientation as needed for different positioning scenarios while maintaining a practical and maintainable mechanical design.
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling rig mobility system moves a drilling rig or similar structure in an oilfield or similar environment and includes independently controllable positioning shoes attaching to the drilling rig and controllable through separate and coordinated position control commands. Each positioning shoe may be individually addressed to reposition the drilling rig. Each positioning shoe includes a hydraulic actuator and wireless control circuitry. The hydraulic actuator provides vertical, horizontal and rotational force in response to wireless control signals for wireless position and control data and instructions with a remote wireless communications device. A cylinder stomper vertically elevates the hydraulic actuator and receives and transfers the vertical and rotational force. A foot assembly transfers the horizontal force from the hydraulic actuator. A positioning shoe cylinder stomper and positioning shoe traverse cylinder provide infinitely variable position control.