Automated Drill Head Connection Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for connecting a drill head to a drill pipe are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to accidents due to the reliance on manual tongs and clamping-screwing devices, which lack precision and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A device with a claw-shaped holding structure and a housing that uses an automatic clamping-screwing mechanism to securely connect the drill head to the drill pipe, allowing for controlled rotation and torque application, reducing the need for manual handling and enhancing precision and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tongs and clamping-screwing devices are used to connect drill head to drill pipe, then the connection can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidmanual handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drill head is equipped with an automatic clamping device that includes a clamping jaw and a positioning jaw. The positioning jaw automatically positions the drill head relative to the drill pipe, and the clamping jaw automatically clamps the drill head, enabling the connection process to be performed automatically without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual tongs are used for connecting drill head to drill pipe, then the operation can be performed, but precision and reliability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidautomatic control level

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic clamping device with positioning jaw ensures precise positioning of the drill head relative to the drill pipe thread, eliminating the imprecision associated with manual tongs. The automated mechanism maintains consistent positioning accuracy across all connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of tongs is replaced with an automated clamping mechanism that uses a positioning jaw to guide and align the drill head, providing more precise and reliable connection than manual methods can achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual handling methods are used, then equipment complexity is low, but safety risk increases due to personnel involvement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety reliabilityVSAvoidclamping device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic clamping device performs all positioning and clamping operations without human intervention, eliminating safety risks associated with manual handling while the added complexity is confined to the automated mechanism itself rather than requiring complex external safety systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9945195B2Method for connecting a drill head to a drill pipe, and device for holding a drill head

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 JOST FRANK

AI summary

Producing a screw connection between a drill head provided for ground boreholes and an element of a drill pipe includes using a device for holding the drill head provided for ground boreholes. The device is held by a first clamping device of a clamping-screwing device. The element to be connected to the drill head is held by a second clamping device of the clamping-screwing-device and the element of the drill pipe to be connected is moved by the clamping-screwing device in relation to the device such that the relative rotation movement between the drill head and the element of the drill pipe required for the desired screw connection is performed by the clamping-screwing device.