Drill Guide Keeper Pivoting Mechanism for Mine Boreholes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill guides for forming boreholes in mine passages require considerable skill for manual holding and are prone to suboptimal results due to poorly positioned hydraulic hoses, which can lead to failure.
Innovation Solution
A drill guide with a keeper that pivots between active and retracted positions using a hydraulic cylinder and biasing element, actuated by signals from an operator input device, allowing for secure engagement and release of the drilling element, and featuring a guard to prevent operator interference and improve hose positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual holding force is applied to support the drilling element while hydraulic jaws are closed, then the drilling element can be held in position, but considerable skill is required and suboptimal results often occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drill guide system uses a retainer mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the drilling element, eliminating the need for manual holding. The system self-regulates by detecting when the drilling element is properly positioned and automatically secures it, reducing reliance on operator skill while improving holding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical holding with an automated retainer system actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic power. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to apply manual holding force, thereby reducing skill requirements while maintaining reliable positioning.
2Reliability
If hydraulic hoses are positioned to supply working fluid to the actuator, then the actuator can be powered, but the hoses are poorly positioned and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The drill guide structure incorporates pre-positioned hose routing channels and protective conduits that guide hydraulic hoses along optimized paths before installation. This preliminary planning of hose placement prevents poor positioning and reduces the risk of failure during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective conduits or routing structures as intermediary elements between the hydraulic actuator and the external environment. These intermediaries protect the hoses from damage and ensure they are properly positioned, reducing failure risk without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the drill guide is manually held during drilling operation, then the drilling element can be supported, but the operation requires considerable skill and time
Solution Approach 1:
The automated retainer mechanism continuously maintains the drilling element in position without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates time loss associated with manual holding operations while maintaining drilling productivity at optimal speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer system provides continuous automated support for the drilling element throughout the drilling operation, eliminating interruptions and time losses associated with manual holding. This continuous action maintains both productivity and operational efficiency.
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
Enhances the reliability and efficiency of borehole formation by simplifying manual holding and reducing hose failure risks, ensuring secure engagement and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The keeper is biased for pivoting movement upon the application of a manual force between an active position for capturing the drilling element and a retracted position for releasing the drilling element
Implementation Method 2
The retainer may also or alternatively comprise a biasing element for urging the keeper toward either the retracted position or active position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in connection using a drill having a drilling element for forming a borehole in a face of a mine passage includes a drill guide for engaging the drilling element while permitting the drilling element to move toward the face for forming the borehole. The drill guide includes a keeper for keeping the drilling element in a desired position, which keeper is biased for pivoting movement upon the application of a manual force between an active position for capturing the drilling element and a retracted position for releasing the drilling element. A low profile drill guide is also disclosed, as is a guard for a drill guide, and also related methods.