Carousel Rod Loader with Parallel Extraction for Compact Drilling Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling machines with carousel loaders have limited capacity to contain rods, requiring additional magazines for resupply and are cumbersome in limited spaces, especially in mountain drilling or where space is restricted.
Innovation Solution
A new carousel loader design allows for the insertion and extraction of rod modules and coverings of any length parallel to the platform, optimizing mast length and handling times by using a kinematic mechanism for mast stability and a gripper system for vertical stability, enabling longer modules to be loaded without orthogonal translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rod modules are extracted through translation orthogonal to the platform, then the extraction mechanism is simple, but the mast length increases and load capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional extraction direction from orthogonal (vertical) translation to parallel (horizontal) translation along the platform. This allows the rod module to be extracted by moving it horizontally along the platform surface rather than vertically upward, thereby reducing the required mast length while maintaining extraction functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the extraction dimension from vertical (orthogonal to platform) to horizontal (parallel to platform). By utilizing the horizontal dimension along the platform for extraction, the system eliminates the need for long vertical mast travel, effectively reducing mast length requirements
2Length of moving object
If rod modules are extracted through translation parallel to the platform, then mast length is optimized, but the extraction mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gripper system as an intermediary device that interfaces between the rod module and the extraction mechanism. The gripper securely holds the rod module and enables controlled horizontal translation along the platform, simplifying the overall extraction mechanism while achieving the parallel extraction path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex vertical lifting and orthogonal extraction mechanisms with a simpler horizontal translation system. By substituting the traditional vertical extraction path with horizontal movement along the platform, the mechanism complexity is reduced while achieving optimized mast length
3Quantity of substance
If rod modules are extracted through translation parallel to the platform, then load capacity increases, but handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous horizontal translation mechanism that allows seamless extraction of rod modules along the platform. The continuous motion system eliminates interruptions and maintains steady extraction speed, optimizing handling time while accommodating increased load capacity through the parallel extraction path
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a drilling machine comprising a loading device (100) of the carousel type for a plurality of rod modules (A) and possibly also for a plurality of covering modules. The loading device comprises a platform (101), on which said rod modules (A) are arranged in such a way that they are orthogonal to the platform (101) itself, and conveyor means (2, 21, 22) for conveying said rod modules (A) along a closed path. Said carousel loading device (100) comprises a lateral containment frame (4) provided with an opening (43) intended to allow the extraction and/or insertion of said rod modules (A) through the translation of the same in a direction that is substantially parallel to said platform (101) or has at least one component parallel to said platform (101).