18124454. WELLBORE TRACTOR WITH INVERTED TOROID simplified abstract (Saudi Arabian Oil Company)
Contents
WELLBORE TRACTOR WITH INVERTED TOROID
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Rafael Adolfo Lastra Melo of Dhahran (SA)
Faris Hasan Tulbah of Al Khubar (SA)
WELLBORE TRACTOR WITH INVERTED TOROID - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18124454 titled 'WELLBORE TRACTOR WITH INVERTED TOROID
Simplified Explanation:
The patent application describes a tractor assembly with a toroidal-shaped fluid-filled membrane that can be inverted using a helical flight drive system. The assembly is designed to move through passages by creating frictional contact between the membrane and the inner surface of the passage.
- The tractor assembly includes a toroidal-shaped fluid-filled membrane mounted over a body.
- A drive system coupled with the membrane includes a helical flight that inverts the membrane when rotated against its inner surface.
- The body has a mid-section with telescoping sleeve-like portions that can shorten the length of the body.
- Fluid in the membrane is forced from the mid-section to radially expand a forward portion and create frictional contact with the inner surface of a passage.
- The frictional contact between the membrane and the passage's inner surface generates a force that propels the tractor assembly through the passage.
Potential Applications:
1. Agricultural machinery for navigating narrow passages. 2. Industrial equipment for moving through confined spaces. 3. Robotic systems for exploration in tight environments.
Problems Solved:
1. Maneuvering through narrow or restricted spaces. 2. Efficient movement in confined areas. 3. Overcoming obstacles in tight environments.
Benefits:
1. Improved mobility in constrained spaces. 2. Enhanced efficiency in navigating obstacles. 3. Increased adaptability for various applications.
Commercial Applications:
The technology could be utilized in agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, and robotic systems for enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces, potentially leading to increased productivity and cost savings for businesses.
Prior Art:
Readers can start their search for prior art related to this technology by exploring patents in the field of agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, and robotic systems for confined space navigation.
Frequently Updated Research:
Stay updated on advancements in fluid-filled membrane technology, drive systems for compact machinery, and frictional propulsion mechanisms for confined space navigation.
Questions about Tractor Assembly Technology:
1. How does the toroidal-shaped fluid-filled membrane contribute to the maneuverability of the tractor assembly? 2. What are the potential limitations of using a helical flight drive system for propulsion in confined spaces?
Original Abstract Submitted
A tractor assembly includes a toroidal shaped fluid filled membrane mounted over a body and a drive system coupled with the membrane. The drive system includes a helical flight that inverts the membrane when rotated against its inner surface. A mid-section of the body includes sleeve like portions that telescope with one another and shorten a length of the body. Fluid in the membrane is forced from the mid-section and radially expands a forward portion and into contact with an inner surface of the passage, so that when the membrane is inverted while in a passage, frictional contact between the membrane and inner surface of the passage creates a force that urges the tractor assembly through a passage.
