Autonomous Geotechnical Rig Carousel and Arm System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geotechnical investigation methods require direct human interaction on site, which can be impractical or unsafe in certain environments.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated unmanned geotechnical rig system that includes a frame, docking base, carousel, and arm, allowing for geotechnical drilling and sampling without human presence, using interchangeable carousels and a crane for component retrieval and positioning, with a movable roller adjusting the bend radius of the drill tube based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct human interaction on site is used for geotechnical investigation, then operational flexibility and real-time decision making are improved, but safety risks and impracticality in certain environments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The geotechnical rig is equipped with autonomous capabilities including self-positioning through GPS and inertial navigation, automated drill string deployment and retrieval, and integrated sensor systems that enable the system to perform geotechnical investigations independently without requiring direct human presence on site, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while eliminating safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems, including motorized winches for drill string handling, hydraulic actuators for positioning, and electronic control systems that substitute human physical interaction with remote or autonomous electronic control, achieving both safety and operational flexibility
2Measurement precision
If drill depth is extended for deeper subsurface investigation, then measurement capability is improved, but system complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is divided into multiple modular segments or sections that can be independently deployed and retrieved. The system uses a segmented approach where individual drill pipe sections are connected in sequence to achieve extended depths, allowing the rig to investigate deeper subsurface layers without requiring a completely different equipment configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested storage configurations where drill string segments, casings, and sampling equipment are stored in compact, space-efficient arrangements within the rig structure. Drill pipes are coiled or stacked in nested configurations, and sampling vessels are stored within the drill string structure, minimizing the rig's footprint while supporting extended drill depths
3Productivity
If interchangeable carousels are used for component storage and exchange, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel system is designed with universal, standardized interfaces and configurations that can accommodate multiple types of components including drill bits, casings, sampling vessels, and sensor assemblies. The same carousel structure and mounting mechanism can handle different component types through standardized attachment points and identification systems, enabling efficient exchanges without requiring multiple specialized storage systems
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel system incorporates identification mechanisms such as barcodes, RFID tags, or mechanical indexing that provide feedback to the control system about component location, type, and status. This feedback enables the automated arm to accurately retrieve and position the correct components, reducing errors and improving exchange efficiency while managing system complexity through intelligent control
4Reliability
If remotely operated unmanned system is deployed, then safety and accessibility in hazardous environments are improved, but system reliability and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple subsystems including navigation (GPS and inertial sensors), drilling mechanics, sampling mechanisms, and communication systems into a unified remotely operated platform. By merging these functions into a single integrated system with centralized control, the complexity is managed through system consolidation rather than separate independent systems, while maintaining the safety benefits of unmanned operation in hazardous environments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables geotechnical work to be performed autonomously or remotely, extending the drill depth and maintaining a small footprint, with no need for direct human intervention, and facilitating efficient exchange of drill casings and sample vessels.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one movable roller is configured to adjust a bend radius of the at least one tube based at least partly on data received from the at least one sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates generally to geotechnical rig systems and methods. In one embodiment, a rig for sampling, includes, but is not limited to, a frame configured to deploy a drill string; at least one docking base disposed on the frame; at least one carousel with one or more addressed slots to stow one or more components, the at least one carousel being releasably coupled to the at least one docking base; and at least one arm that is configured to controllably retrieve and/or position the one or more components.