Drilling Boom Sensor Calibration via Self-Service Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration methods for drilling equipment sensors are cumbersome and require multiple tools and devices, making it difficult to calibrate complex sensor systems in field conditions without significant time and cost losses, and are prone to measurement errors due to inadequate environments.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes the drilling equipment's own sensors and a control unit to calibrate sensors by turning the boom assembly to various angles, measuring turning and inclination values, and calculating deviations using trigonometric functions or the least squares method, allowing for on-site calibration without separate measuring devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional calibration methods using multiple reference devices and inclined planes are used, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple tools and complex procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling equipment calibrates its own sensors using its own boom assembly and sensors, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment. The control unit executes calibration instructions by turning the boom assembly to different positions and using the equipment's own sensors to measure and calculate deviations, making the system self-calibrating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The boom assembly serves dual purposes: it performs drilling operations and simultaneously serves as a calibration reference for sensor calibration. The existing sensors and mechanical structure are utilized for both operational and calibration functions, eliminating the need for separate calibration devices.

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

2Measurement precision

If traditional calibration methods with multiple measuring devices are used, then measurement precision can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring transportation of equipment and specialized personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration at the drilling location without requiring external calibration equipment or specialized personnel. The control unit automatically executes the calibration process by controlling the boom assembly movement and processing sensor data, making calibration as simple as running a software program.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration function is extracted from external calibration equipment and integrated into the drilling equipment's control system. The calibration process is software-based and uses the equipment's own mechanical and sensing components, removing the need for external calibration tools and expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If sensors are calibrated in factory environment with sufficient reference devices, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to transportation requirements and inability to perform quick on-site checks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration capability is built into the equipment during manufacturing, but the actual calibration action is performed preliminarily at the drilling site when needed, rather than requiring post-manufacturing transportation to calibration facilities. The system is pre-configured with calibration instructions and capability to perform calibration immediately at any location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling equipment performs its own calibration at the drilling location without requiring transportation to external calibration facilities. The control unit automatically executes calibration routines using the boom assembly and onboard sensors, enabling quick on-site calibration and verification without time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables rapid and efficient sensor calibration directly in the field using only the equipment's sensors and a control program, reducing the need for additional tools and minimizing measurement errors, allowing for calibration without transporting equipment or personnel.

Implementation Method 1

gravity-based sensors for measuring inclination of the upper carriage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-based sensing: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2729652B1Method and arrangement for calibrating sensors in drilling equipment
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • EP2729652B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2729652B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2729652B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for calibrating sensors in a drilling apparatus provided with a movable carrier (1), a frame (2) and boom assembly (5) mounted to rotate about a turning axis vertical to the frame (2), an angle sensor (7) for measuring the turning angle of the boom assembly and gravity-based inclination sensors (8) for measuring inclination. According to the invention, the boom assembly (5) are turned in relation to the frame (2), the value of the turning angle and the inclination values provided by the inclination sensors are measured, and on the basis of the measured values, deviation of the values of the inclination sensors from the real inclination angle value are determined..