Blast-Hole Drill Pipe Capture With Adjustable Alignment Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drill pipe positioning systems face challenges such as equipment damage due to snagging with pipe flats, difficulty in achieving proper alignment, especially in non-vertical drilling, and limited adaptability to different pipe sizes and conditions, leading to increased downtime and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring adjustable arm assemblies with end effectors and ramp features that accommodate various pipe diameters and conditions, using shims for precise positioning and a non-curved elongate finger configuration to prevent snagging and improve capture and alignment, even with bent pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional end effectors with curved components are used to capture drill pipes, then the capture function is achieved, but the equipment is prone to snagging with pipe flats causing damage and downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment damage preventionVSAvoidoperational downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies the reverse of curvature by using non-curved, elongate finger configurations instead of traditional curved end effector components. This eliminates the snagging issue with pipe flats while maintaining effective capture functionality, directly resolving the reliability and productivity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The elongate finger design creates simpler, more durable components that are less prone to damage from snagging. While individual fingers may still wear, the overall system requires fewer component replacements and repairs, reducing operational downtime and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-position end effectors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different pipe sizes and conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe size accommodationVSAvoidadjustable mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements adjustable arm assemblies with movable end effectors that can be positioned at different locations along the arm. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to various pipe sizes and drilling conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drill pipe handling system is divided into segmented arm assemblies with independently adjustable end effectors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and adjusted independently, providing versatility for different pipe sizes without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional positioning systems are used, then the basic positioning function is achieved, but proper alignment is difficult especially in non-vertical drilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill pipe alignment precisionVSAvoidalignment operation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extends positioning capability from a single plane to multiple dimensions by allowing end effectors to be positioned at various locations along articulated arm assemblies. This multi-dimensional adjustment capability enables precise alignment in non-vertical drilling operations while maintaining ease of operation through systematic adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The arm assemblies serve as intermediary mechanisms between the fixed mast structure and the drill pipe. These intermediaries provide the necessary degrees of freedom for alignment while maintaining operational simplicity through their mechanical design and adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple component variations are used for different pipe sizes, then adaptability is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe diameter adaptabilityVSAvoidcomponent variety complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses universal arm assembly designs with standardized components that can accommodate different pipe sizes through positional adjustment rather than requiring different component types. The end effectors serve multiple functions across various pipe diameters, reducing overall system complexity and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12442259B1Positioning system for blast hole drilling operations

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING EQUIPMENT LLC

AI summary

A method and system for capturing and aligning a drill pipe of a surface drill includes a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly. Each arm assembly features an end effector coupled to a position adjustment mechanism configured to receive a plurality of shims for positional adjustments relative to the drill pipe. The end effectors include ramp features and elongate fingers forming ends of the effectors. The arm assemblies are arranged at an obtuse angle to each other, creating a receptacle for the drill pipe. The method includes positioning the arm assemblies on a mast, actuating them upward and inward, engaging the drill pipe with the elongate fingers, guiding the drill pipe along the ramp features, and capturing the drill pipe in the receptacle formed by the end effectors.