Drill Hole Sequencing Algorithm for Mobile Rigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sequencing drill holes for mobile drill rigs are inefficient due to inadequate consideration of travel time differences and do not fully optimize the order of drilling based on directional movements, leading to increased overall drilling time.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates two groups of parallel pathways with different angles and selects the group with fewer pathways, then combines them to create a optimized pathway for the drill rig to follow, minimizing directional changes and accounting for avoidance zones to improve efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator selects the drilling order ad hoc, then the task completion is flexible, but the drilling efficiency is reduced due to unoptimized travel time
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and determines the optimal drilling sequence before actual drilling operations begin. By analyzing the hole pattern and computing the most efficient path in advance, the system eliminates the need for ad hoc operator decisions during drilling, thereby optimizing travel time and improving overall drilling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequencing algorithm dynamically adjusts the drilling order based on the specific hole pattern configuration and directional movement characteristics. Rather than using a fixed or random sequence, the system adapts the drilling path to minimize travel time by considering the spatial relationships between holes and the drill rig's movement capabilities in different directions.
2Productivity
If the drill rig makes frequent directional changes to reach holes, then all holes can be accessed, but the travel time and operational efficiency are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The hole pattern is segmented into groups that can be drilled along continuous directional paths. By dividing the overall drilling task into segments that follow straight or minimally deviating trajectories, the system reduces the number of directional changes required, thereby decreasing travel time and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling operation is organized into periodic cycles along optimized paths, where the drill rig follows a predetermined sequence of holes that minimizes directional changes. This periodic approach allows for more efficient resource utilization and reduces the overall duration of the drilling operation compared to random or ad hoc sequencing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sequencing drill holes for a mobile drill rig is disclosed. The method may include receiving a hole pattern having a plurality of planned holes and generating at least a first group of parallel pathways and a second group of parallel pathways between the plurality of holes of the hole pattern. The first group of pathways may be angled relative to the second group of pathways. The method may also include selecting between the first group of pathways and the second group of pathways based on which group of pathways includes fewer total pathways. The method may further include generating a combined pathway by linking at least one pathway from the selected group of pathways to at least a second pathway from the selected group of pathways and transmitting the combined pathway to a module configured to control movement of the mobile drill rig