Articulated Pre-skimmer Mount for Vertical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dust collection systems in mining operations face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent reorientation of the pre-skimmer to maintain a vertical position during non-vertical drilling, which is time-consuming and lowers operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An articulated pre-skimmer mount with a feed mounting arm and axial positioning plates allows for easy rotation and locking of the pre-skimmer to maintain a vertical orientation relative to the ground, enabling efficient operation even when the drill feed unit is at an angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pre-skimmer is rigidly mounted to the drill feed unit, then the structure is simple and stable, but the pre-skimmer cannot maintain vertical orientation during non-vertical drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic articulated system with two degrees of freedom. The first articulation joint allows rotation about the feed mounting arm axis, while the second articulation joint allows rotation about a perpendicular axis, enabling the pre-skimmer to dynamically adjust its orientation to maintain vertical position during non-vertical drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into segmented components: a feed mounting arm, a first articulation joint with cylindrical sleeve and shaft, a second articulation joint with additional cylindrical sleeve and shaft, and the pre-skimmer assembly. This segmentation allows independent rotation at each joint, providing the necessary degrees of freedom while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If the pre-skimmer is manually reoriented during drilling operations, then vertical orientation can be maintained, but operational efficiency is reduced due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated mounting structure enables the pre-skimmer to self-adjust its orientation automatically as the drill feed unit changes angle. The two articulation joints allow the pre-skimmer to passively follow the drill feed unit's movement while maintaining vertical orientation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and continuous reorientation during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic articulated joints allow the pre-skimmer to continuously adapt its position in real-time as drilling conditions change, maintaining optimal vertical orientation without interrupting the drilling process. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates downtime associated with manual reorientation.
3Productivity
If the pre-skimmer is mounted at an angle during non-vertical drilling, then drilling can proceed, but the pre-skimmer becomes inefficient and prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The two articulation joints create a dynamic mounting system that allows the pre-skimmer to maintain vertical orientation independently of the drill feed unit's angle. The first joint rotates the intermediate arm about the feed mounting arm axis, while the second joint rotates the pre-skimmer assembly about a perpendicular axis, ensuring the pre-skimmer remains vertically oriented for efficient cuttings separation even during non-vertical drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented mounting structure with separate articulation joints enables independent rotation at each joint, providing the necessary degrees of freedom to maintain optimal pre-skimmer orientation. The cylindrical sleeves and shafts with locking mechanisms allow precise angular adjustment at each segment while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulated pre-skimmer mount for a pre-skimmer associated with a drill bit feed unit comprises a feed mounting arm mounted to the drill bit feed unit. A first end is configured for attachment to the drill feed unit and a second end includes a cylindrical mounting shaft and an axial positioning plate. An intermediate arm has a first end comprising a cylindrical sleeve mounted thereto. The cylindrical sleeve has an inner cylindrical opening configured for sliding engagement with the cylindrical mounting shaft and a mating plate configured for locking, face-to-face engagement with the axial positioning plate. A second end comprises a pre-skimmer mounting assembly configured for attachment to the pre-skimmer, wherein an axial positioning plate and a mating plate are operable to disengage, for rotation of the intermediate arm about an axis of the feed mounting arm for alignment of the pre-skimmer.