Drilling Boom Auto-Positioning for Multi-Hole Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drilling machines require substantial time and effort to manually position and reposition between multiple drilling locations due to complex boom structures and limited visibility, making the process tedious and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A drilling machine equipped with a movable carrier, a boom, actuators, sensors, and a controller that automatically positions the machine in an operating configuration through predetermined sequential steps based on user input and spatial orientation data, reducing manual adjustments and enhancing automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual controls are used to position the boom, then the operator can control the drilling machine, but the process becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the drilling machine automatically positions itself between drilling locations using the controller to actuate boom actuators based on stored location data, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly reducing positioning time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing drilling location data and boom configuration parameters in memory before actual drilling operations begin, allowing the controller to quickly retrieve and execute positioning sequences without real-time manual input, thus reducing time loss between locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boom structure is made complex to reach multiple drilling locations, then the machine can access more positions, but the control becomes less intuitive and more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor the actual positions of boom joints and comparing them with target positions stored in memory, allowing the controller to make automatic adjustments until the desired configuration is achieved, thereby simplifying operator control despite complex boom structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system where the controller electronically manages boom actuators based on stored location data, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control and reducing the operational burden on the operator
3Manufacturing precision
If the operator manually adjusts multiple front-end implements to position over each hole, then precise positioning is achieved, but substantial time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the controller automatically manages positioning of all front-end implements including the boom and drilling work device by retrieving pre-stored location data and sequentially actuating the appropriate actuators, maintaining precision while dramatically improving productivity between drilling locations
Data Source
AI summary
A machine comprising a frame supported on a movable carrier. A first actuator is adapted to actuate a boom coupled to the frame. A first sensor generates signals indicative of a spatial orientation of the boom. At least one second actuator actuates a drilling work device coupled to the boom. A second sensor generates signals indicative of a spatial orientation of the drilling work device. A controller receives signals indicative of the spatial orientation of the boom and the drilling work device and actuates at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator through predetermined sequential steps to automatically position the machine in a default configuration. The controller further receives signals indicative of data corresponding to at least one drilling hole and automatically positions the machine in an operating configuration.