Auxiliary Device Control for Core Drilling Rig Water Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling water pumps in core drilling rigs require manual switching, leading to inefficient drilling operations and unnecessary water consumption, causing interruptions and site contamination.

Innovation Solution

An automatic control method that switches the water pump on or off based on the operating state of the core drilling device, using status information transmitted between the main tool device and the water management system, allowing for efficient resource use and coordination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual switching of the water pump is used, then the system operation is simple to control, but drilling efficiency decreases due to interruptions and water is wasted during switching time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual control simplicityVSAvoiddrilling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The water management system automatically monitors the operating state of the core drilling device and controls the water pump accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting when water is needed and when the pump should be stopped, thereby maintaining drilling efficiency without sacrificing operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operating state of the core drilling device and using this information to automatically adjust the water pump operation. Status information from the main tool is transmitted to the auxiliary device, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes water supply based on actual drilling needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual switching of the water pump is used, then control flexibility is maintained, but unnecessary water is supplied causing contamination and resource waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The water management system automatically determines when water supply is needed based on the core drilling device's operating state, eliminating unnecessary water consumption. The system monitors actual drilling requirements and adjusts pump operation accordingly, preventing water waste while maintaining appropriate control flexibility through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares to activate the water pump in advance when the core drilling device begins operation, ensuring water is available when needed without causing unnecessary supply during idle periods. This preliminary action based on detected operating states prevents both water waste and contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the water pump remains on during idle core bit operation, then cooling is maintained, but water is wasted and site contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling availabilityVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the core drilling device's operating state to control water pump operation. When the core bit is idle or not under load, the system detects this state and automatically stops water supply, preventing water waste and contamination while maintaining cooling reliability during actual drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The water pump operation is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting its state based on real-time detection of the core drilling device's operating conditions. The system transitions between active and inactive states according to actual drilling needs, optimizing both cooling reliability and water conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3966009B1Method for controlling an operation of an auxiliary device in a working system
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 HILTI AG
  • EP3966009B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an auxiliary device in a working system which comprises at least one main tool device and the auxiliary device. The operating state of the main tool device is determined and transmitted to the auxiliary device in the form of a status information. The auxiliary device can then preferably be automatically controlled, i.e. for example switched on or off, as a function of the operating state of the main tool device. The communication between the main tool device and the auxiliary device is carried out using a communication link.