Wireless Positioning Shoes for Drilling Rig Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling rig positioning systems lack individually addressable wireless control for vertical and rotational positioning, leading to inefficient and costly assembly/disassembly, maintenance, and lack of feedback mechanisms, resulting in limited flexibility and precision in positioning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of independently controllable positioning shoes with wireless communication and hydraulic actuators for vertical, horizontal, and rotational control, enabling precise 360° movement and feedback mechanisms for improved rig positioning and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known systems use hydraulic lines throughout the framework to power positioning shoes, then the positioning shoes can be powered, but the system complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized hydraulic system into multiple independent modular hydraulic power units, each located at individual positioning shoes. This segmentation allows each shoe to operate independently with its own hydraulic package, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating the need for extensive hydraulic line networks throughout the drilling rig framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places complete hydraulic power units locally at each positioning shoe location rather than using a centralized hydraulic system. This local quality approach ensures that each positioning shoe has the necessary hydraulic power available at its specific location, improving reliability while reducing the complexity of distributing hydraulic lines throughout the entire rig structure.
2Loss of information
If known systems lack feedback operation or circuitry for positioning shoes, then the system is simpler, but the operator cannot monitor positioning shoe behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback circuits and sensors at each positioning shoe that monitor operational status, position, and health parameters. This feedback information is transmitted to the control system, enabling the operator to monitor positioning shoe behavior in real-time, detect issues early, and make informed operational decisions, thereby reducing information loss without excessive complexity.
3Productivity
If known systems require assembly and disassembly of structural components for rig movement, then the rig can be repositioned, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable positioning shoes with movable and rotatable components that can be independently controlled to facilitate rapid rig repositioning. These dynamic positioning shoes eliminate the need for static structural assembly and disassembly, allowing the rig to be repositioned quickly by adjusting the positioning shoes' locations and orientations, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.
4Measurement precision
If known systems lack individually addressable positioning shoes, then the system is simpler, but flexibility and precision in positioning are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning control system into individually addressable modular units at each positioning shoe. Each shoe can be controlled and monitored independently, allowing for precise positioning adjustments at specific locations without affecting other shoes. This segmentation enables high positioning precision while managing complexity through standardized modular control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal modular positioning shoes with integrated control systems that can perform multiple functions: vertical adjustment, horizontal movement, rotation, and feedback monitoring. This multi-functionality allows individually addressable precise positioning control without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each shoe is a self-contained universal unit.
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 and horizontal 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 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. Rotational positioning may be manually or automatically achieved.