Drill String Transfer Control for Parallel Rod Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earth drilling devices require excessive time for drilling operations due to inefficient transfer of rod sections, leading to prolonged work cycles.

Innovation Solution

The device allows the transfer device to position and move drill string sections during the pulling or pushing phases, utilizing intermediate positions to minimize interruptions, and incorporates a recess in the drill string magazine for efficient alignment and connection of sections without significant linear movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the transfer device moves the drill string section directly from the magazine to the drill string position, then the transfer path is short and simple, but the drilling operation must be interrupted for the complete transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling operation interruption timeVSAvoidtransfer device path complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer path is segmented into multiple positions (first intermediate position near the magazine, second intermediate position near the drill string). The transfer device can service the drill string at the first intermediate position during pulling/pushing phases, then complete the transfer at the second intermediate position, avoiding complete interruption of drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer device performs preliminary positioning and servicing actions at the first intermediate position while the drill string is still moving. This preliminary action allows the drilling operation to continue without interruption while the transfer is prepared and partially executed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the drill string is moved continuously during drilling operations, then drilling efficiency is improved, but rod sections cannot be transferred without stopping the movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling operation efficiencyVSAvoidrod section transfer operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move to different intermediate positions along the drill string path. The system can adapt its position and timing to service the drill string during pulling or pushing phases without requiring complete stops, maintaining continuous operation dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling operation continues without interruption while the transfer device performs rod section transfers at intermediate positions during the pulling or pushing phases. Both drilling and transfer operations proceed continuously in parallel, eliminating idle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of time

If additional components are added to enable parallel drilling and transfer operations, then drilling time is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal drilling timeVSAvoidnumber of additional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can position rod sections, service the drill string during pulling/pushing phases, and complete transfers at different intermediate positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each operation phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding components along the single direct transfer path, the solution introduces intermediate positions as additional spatial dimensions. The transfer device operates in multiple positions along the drill string trajectory, utilizing the existing spatial arrangement to enable parallel operations without adding complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4124719B1Control for holding a transfer device for a rod of a boring device
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 TRACTO TECHN
  • EP4124719B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4124719B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4124719B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a control for at least one receiving device of a transfer device for a drill string section of an earth drilling direction, wherein the earth drilling device is designed to move a drill string, and the transfer device is designed to transfer the received drill string section from a position in a drill string magazine to a position on the drill string or vice versa, and the control is designed to move the receiving device between a position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is moving.