Drilling Machine Automatic Shipping Configuration Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of positioning a drilling machine into a shipping configuration is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the complexity of the boom structure and limited visibility at drilling sites, requiring manual adjustments to fit within shipping dimensions while avoiding obstacles, which is critical and tedious.

Innovation Solution

A drilling machine equipped with boom and drilling work device actuators, sensors, and a controller that automatically positions the machine in a shipping configuration by receiving spatial orientation signals and actuating the actuators through predetermined sequential steps, allowing for automated alignment within shipping dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual controls are used to position the boom, then the operator can adjust the boom to desired positions, but the process becomes time-consuming and tedious due to complex boom structure and poor visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of positioning boomVSAvoidtime to position boom

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller stores predetermined sequential steps for positioning the boom and drilling work device in a shipping configuration. When activated, the controller automatically executes these pre-programmed steps, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and significantly reducing the time required to achieve the correct shipping configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors detect the spatial orientation of the boom and drilling work device, providing real-time feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust the actuators and achieve the precise shipping configuration without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustments are made to fit within shipping dimensions, then the machine can be positioned correctly, but the process is critical and tedious requiring operator attention to avoid obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of shipping configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning through automated control. The controller receives sensor signals about the current spatial orientation, automatically calculates the required adjustments, and actuates the boom and drilling work device actuators to achieve the precise shipping configuration without operator intervention, thereby maintaining precision while reducing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors and controllers substitute for human operators, using electronic signals and automated actuation to achieve the shipping configuration, thereby maintaining precision while simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the boom structure is made complex to achieve precise positioning, then the machine can be positioned accurately, but the control becomes demanding and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial orientation measurementVSAvoidease of controlling boom

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual control with an automated electromechanical control system. Sensors precisely measure the spatial orientation of the boom and drilling work device, and the controller automatically processes this data to actuate the components, maintaining high measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system continuously monitors spatial orientation and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the boom and drilling work device positions. This closed-loop feedback system maintains precise control while eliminating the complexity of manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11649679B2System and method to automatically position a machine in a shipping configuration

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING EQUIPMENT LLC

AI summary

A machine includes a boom coupled to a movable carrier and at least one boom actuator adapted to actuate the boom. At least one boom sensor is configured to generate signals indicative of a spatial orientation of the boom. A drilling work device is coupled at a distal portion of the boom. First and second actuators are adapted to actuate the drilling work device. At least one drilling work device sensor is configured to generate signals indicative of a spatial orientation of the drilling work device. A controller receives signals indicative of the spatial orientation of the boom, receives signals indicative of the spatial orientation of the drilling work device, and actuates at least one of the at least one boom actuator and the first and second actuators through predetermined sequential steps to automatically position the machine in a shipping configuration.