Semi-Automatic Drill Rod Coupling Locking Bolt Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill rod couplings require manual effort for locking and unlocking, which is time-consuming and poses safety risks due to the need for personnel to operate at heights, and they lack reliability in power outages.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic drill rod coupling with a tensioning device that maintains the locking bolt in a locked position using a predefined tensioning force, and a resetting member for manual or energy-driven unlocking, ensuring fail-safe operation and efficient coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual locking and unlocking operations are used, then the coupling can be operated without additional devices, but the operation is time-consuming and requires personnel to work at heights
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolt is equipped with a tensioning device that automatically maintains the locking bolt in the locking position without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the tensioning force to ensure reliable locking, eliminating the need for operators to manually hold or adjust the locking mechanism during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device is pre-configured to apply the necessary locking force before operation begins. The locking bolt is designed with a predetermined tensioning force that automatically engages when the coupling is assembled, ensuring locking occurs in advance without requiring operators to be present at height during the critical locking phase.
2Ease of operation
If manual locking and unlocking operations are used, then no additional actuating devices are needed, but the operation poses safety risks for personnel working at heights
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device automatically maintains the locking bolt in the locked position, making the system self-sufficient for the critical locking function. This eliminates the need for operators to manually secure the coupling at height, removing the safety hazard while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of locking and unlocking is partially replaced by a mechanical tensioning device that automatically maintains locking. This substitution removes operators from the hazardous environment while ensuring reliable locking through predetermined mechanical force.
3Reliability
If a tensioning device is added to automatically maintain locking, then locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device is applied locally only to the locking bolt mechanism rather than the entire coupling system. This localized approach provides the necessary reliability improvement for the critical locking function while minimizing the overall device complexity by limiting the automated components to only where they are most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device uses a predetermined tensioning force parameter that is set during manufacturing or initial setup. This fixed parameter approach simplifies the control system while ensuring reliable locking, as no complex real-time adjustments or control algorithms are needed—only a predetermined force level is required.
4Reliability
If the locking bolt is constantly pressed into the locking position, then locking reliability is ensured, but the unlocking operation requires additional resetting force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolt system is designed with dynamic characteristics where the tensioning device provides continuous locking force during normal operation, but the resetting member provides a mechanical advantage system that allows the bolt to be moved against this force during unlocking. The system transitions between these two states efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The resetting member is designed to apply force in a different dimensional direction or through a different mechanical path than the tensioning device. By using a lever arm or cam mechanism, the resetting force is applied perpendicular to or at an angle relative to the tensioning force, allowing unlocking without directly opposing the full locking force.
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
The solution enables efficient and safe connection and disconnection of drill rod elements and drilling tools, ensuring locking even in power outages with reduced manual effort and improved safety by automating the locking process.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning device is provided by means of which the locking bolt is pressed into its locking position with a predefined tensioning force
Implementation Method 2
the resetting member extends transversely to the bolt axis and is formed as a lever for rotating the locking bolt
Implementation Method 3
a slotted link mechanism is provided between the locking bolt and the housing, by means of which a rotary movement of the locking bolt can be converted into a movement radially to the drill rod axis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a drill rod coupling having a sleeve-shaped coupling receptacle, a pin-shaped coupling member which can be inserted axially into the coupling receptacle to form a torque proof connection, and at least one locking bolt which is directed transversely to the axial coupling direction and extends, in a locked coupling position, between the coupling receptacle and the coupling member into a locking recess, wherein the locking bolt is mounted so as to be radially adjustable between an unlocking position and a locking position. Efficient coupling is achieved in that a tensioning device is provided by means of which the locking bolt is pressed into its locking position with a predefined tensioning force, and in that the locking bolt is connected to a resetting member by means of which the locking bolt can be reset into the unlocking position when a resetting force is applied.