Wireline Assembly Visibility and Control on Drill Rig Mast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireline drilling systems suffer from poor visibility, twisting issues, and lack of reliability, making them difficult to service effectively.

Innovation Solution

A wireline assembly is configured to be securely mounted on a drill rig mast, featuring a roller assembly and spooling device positioned for improved visibility and control, with a safety cage for easy maintenance and reduced risk of cable damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the wireline assembly is positioned behind the mast or to the side of the mast, then the drilling system can operate, but visibility of the wireline system is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidwireline control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireline assembly is repositioned from a lateral or rear position to a front-facing position relative to the mast, changing the spatial dimension of operation. This allows the wireline system to be viewed directly from the front, dramatically improving visibility while maintaining operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional wireline systems are used, then the system can function, but twisting of the wireline cable is not adequately prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireline system reliabilityVSAvoidcable twisting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A guide wheel assembly acts as an intermediary component between the wireline cable and the drum. This guide wheel ensures the cable is properly aligned and fed onto the drum in a controlled manner, preventing twisting and lateral movement that would otherwise occur during cable spooling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireline cable is equipped with visual indicators (such as colored markings or high-visibility features) that allow operators to easily detect cable twisting, lateral movement, or improper positioning. This visual feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and correction of cable issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional wireline systems are used, then the system can operate, but serviceability in the field is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveserviceabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireline assembly is designed as a modular, self-contained unit with distinct functional components (drum, guide wheel, mounting brackets) that can be independently accessed and serviced. The assembly can be removed as a complete unit from the mast for maintenance, allowing field service without disassembling the entire drilling system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Illumination intensity

If the wireline assembly is repositioned for better visibility, then visibility improves, but the system complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireline visibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireline drum assembly, guide wheel, mounting brackets, and support structures are combined into a single integrated wireline assembly unit. This merging of components simplifies the overall system architecture, reduces the number of separate parts to manage, and facilitates easier installation and maintenance while achieving improved visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3623569B1Wireline system and methods of using same
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 LONGYEAR TM INC
  • EP3623569B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3623569B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3623569B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A wireline system for use during drilling operations. The wireline system has a wireline assembly and a roller assembly. Both the wireline assembly and the roller assembly are positioned within a front portion of a drill rig.