Drill Column End Stop Assembly for Safe Feed Unit Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill stands lack efficient and safe mechanisms for assembling, using, and disassembling drill column and feed units, particularly for large holes, where easy attachment and removal are crucial for safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drill column end section assembly with a movable stopping element that can be manually or spring-loaded to prevent accidental traversal, allowing for easy visual inspection and convenient removal, combined with a locking mechanism for angle adjustment using a locking bolt and angled gripping members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent locking device is used to hold the stopping element in place, then the reliability of preventing feed unit traversal is improved, but the ease of operation for removing the feed unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping element transitions from a static locked position to a movable state through a release mechanism. The element can be manually moved from a first position (protruding to stop feed unit) to a second position (retracted), allowing the system to dynamically adapt between safety and ease of removal based on operational needs
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the stopping element protrudes laterally from the drill column end section, then the visual inspection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping element utilizes its physical position (protruding vs. retracted) as a visual indicator of system state. The element's location provides immediate visual feedback to operators about whether the feed unit is locked or can be removed, eliminating the need for additional indicators or complex signaling systems
3Ease of operation
If a resilient element is used to releasably hold the stopping element, then the ease of operation for moving the stopping element is improved, but the reliability of preventing accidental traversal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element is pre-configured to automatically engage and lock the stopping element in the first (protruding) position upon assembly. This preliminary locking action ensures safety is established before operation begins, while still allowing intentional release when needed
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
Provides a safe and efficient method for attaching and removing feed units from drill stands, ensuring robust stopping functionality without permanent locking, and simplifies angle adjustments, enhancing operational safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient element comprises a spring arranged to bias the stopping element towards the first position
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
A drill column end section assembly for a drill stand, comprising an end section (110) and a feed unit stopping element (120) arranged movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the stopping element (120), when in the first position, is arranged to prevent a drill stand feed unit from traversing past the drill column end section assembly, and, when in the second position, is arranged to allow the drill stand feed unit to traverse past the drill column end section assembly. The drill column end section assembly also comprises a positioning element (130) configured to releasably hold the stopping element (120) in the first position.