Articulated Drilling Module for Diaphragm Wall Excavation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drilling machines face challenges in maintaining precise control over drilling trajectory, particularly when drilling through hard ground, as cutting elements tend to slip, leading to potential deviations in the drilling path, especially during deep excavations.

Innovation Solution

The drilling machine is designed with an articulated drilling module relative to the anchoring module, equipped with trajectory correction means that allow for pivoting along a transverse axis, enabling precise adjustment of the drilling direction by actuating the anchoring device and moving means, ensuring the cutting elements remain aligned and effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If cutting elements are used to drill through hard ground, then drilling capability is improved, but trajectory control deteriorates due to slipping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling capabilityVSAvoidtrajectory control
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling module is made dynamically adjustable through articulation relative to the anchoring module. The cutting elements can be pivoted and repositioned during drilling operations, allowing real-time correction of trajectory deviations caused by slipping on hard ground patches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position and orientation parameters of the cutting elements are made variable through the articulated connection. By changing the angular position of the drilling module relative to the anchoring module, the trajectory can be corrected while maintaining the high drilling force needed for hard ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If high thrust force is applied to drill hard ground, then drilling efficiency is improved, but trajectory deviation increases due to cutting element slipping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrust forceVSAvoiddrilling trajectory
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of the drilling module's angle and position during operation. When slipping occurs despite high thrust force, the module can be pivoted to correct the trajectory without reducing the applied power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated connection provides a mechanical feedback mechanism that allows operators to detect and correct trajectory deviations by adjusting the drilling module's position, creating a closed-loop control system for maintaining accurate drilling paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the drilling machine is anchored to maintain position, then stability is improved, but trajectory adjustment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidtrajectory correction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling machine is divided into two independent modules: the anchoring module that remains fixed to the ground, and the drilling module that can be articulated and repositioned. This segmentation allows the anchoring system to provide stability while the drilling module maintains maneuverability for trajectory correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated connection acts as an intermediary between the fixed anchoring module and the movable drilling module. This intermediate joint allows the drilling module to pivot and adjust its trajectory while the anchoring module remains stable and anchored to the ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3347527B1Machine for making a diaphragm wall
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET SAS
  • EP3347527B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3347527B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3347527B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

The invention relates to a drilling machine (10) for carrying out excavation in the ground in a drilling direction. Said drilling machine comprises: an anchoring module (12) provided with an anchoring device for locking movement, in the drilling direction, of the anchoring module in relation to the ground while bearing on one of the excavation walls; a drilling module (20) provided with cutting members linked to the anchoring module while being translatable relative to the anchoring module; and a movement means (35) for translatably moving the cutting members in relation to the anchoring module. The drilling module is also hinged in relation to the anchoring module, and the drilling machine comprises a first path correction means (40) for pivoting the drilling module in relation to the anchoring module along a pivoting axis (X) perpendicular to the drilling direction.