Drill System Boom Routing Overhead Cabin Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drill systems for mining and tunneling face issues with visibility and operator safety due to complex and congested hoses and cables, as well as weight distribution that affects tramming and turns, particularly in underground environments.
Innovation Solution
A mobile drill system with booms coupled to an overhead cabin structure, allowing for articulation between retracted and extended positions, which shortens hose and cable lengths, enhances visibility, and provides operator protection, while maintaining a regulatory height for operation in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hoses and cables are routed through articulation joints of the boom, then the drill system can achieve greater boom extension and articulation freedom, but the complexity and congestion of hoses and cables increases, negatively affecting operator visibility and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent routes hoses and cables through the overhead cabin structure rather than through the articulation joints of the boom. This dimensional change in routing path eliminates the congestion issue while maintaining boom articulation freedom, as the hoses and cables are positioned in a separate spatial dimension (overhead structure) that does not interfere with boom movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the routing paths by separating the hose and cable routing from the boom articulation mechanism. The hoses and cables are routed through dedicated channels in the overhead cabin structure, while the boom articulation joints remain clear and unobstructed, allowing independent optimization of both functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If implements (boom, drill, feeder) are mounted to the front of the carrier, then the drill system achieves functional capability, but the front weight increases, negatively affecting tramming and turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the boom on the overhead cabin structure, utilizing the vertical dimension and overhead space rather than occupying front horizontal space. This dimensional repositioning maintains all drilling functionalities while redistributing weight away from the front, improving tramming and turning characteristics.
3Illumination intensity
If the machine height is increased to provide better operator visibility, then visibility improves, but the machine cannot operate in confined underground spaces with low ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the boom and associated components in the overhead dimension, above the operator's line of sight. This allows the operator cabin to maintain a compact height suitable for low-ceiling underground operations while the overhead-mounted boom provides the necessary operational reach and visibility without increasing the machine's vertical footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A drill system, a machine, and a method of operating the same, are disclosed. In one aspect, a machine includes a machine frame coupled to at least one ground engaging element, a power source configured to generate a power output for driving the at least one ground engaging element, and a cabin structure coupled to the machine frame and having an overhead portion configured to provide overhead protection to an operator. The machine further including a boom coupled to the overhead portion of the cabin structure and a drill assembly moveably coupled to the boom.