Drilling Machine Automatic Shipping Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling vehicles face challenges in efficiently transitioning to a shipping configuration due to complex boom structures and limited visibility, requiring manual and time-consuming adjustments to fit within shipping containers while avoiding obstacles, which can lead to operator fatigue and errors.
Innovation Solution
A drilling machine equipped with inertial measurement unit sensors and actuators, controlled by a processor that follows a series of predetermined steps to automatically position the boom and drilling work device, ensuring the machine fits within shipping constraints by raising, tilting, and lowering components to specific angles, thereby automating the shipping configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual controls are used to position the boom and drilling work device, then the operator can adjust the machine configuration, but the process becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect the spatial orientation and position of the boom and drilling work device, and the controller autonomously actuates the actuators to position the components within the shipping envelope, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly reducing configuration time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect position and a controller to actuate motors or hydraulic actuators, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with an automated electromechanical control system
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually positions the boom and drilling work device, then adjustments can be made, but operator fatigue and errors increase due to poor visibility and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system independently monitors its own position through sensors and self-corrects by actuating components to achieve the desired shipping configuration, eliminating human error and fatigue associated with manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors regarding the spatial orientation and position of the boom and drilling work device, and the controller uses this feedback to make real-time adjustments, ensuring accurate and reliable positioning within the shipping envelope
3Adaptability or versatility
If sequential manual steps are followed to fit within shipping envelope, then the machine can be transported, but the process is highly critical and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the shipping configuration parameters and executes the positioning sequence without requiring the operator to understand or follow complex procedural steps, simplifying the operation while maintaining adaptability to different shipping envelope dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The controller stores predetermined shipping configuration parameters and sequentially actuates components based on pre-calculated positioning steps, preparing the machine in advance for shipping by automatically following the optimized configuration sequence
4Adaptability or versatility
If the boom structure is used for drilling operations, then drilling functionality is achieved, but controlling the boom becomes demanding and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of the boom with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect position and a controller to actuate motors or hydraulic actuators, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with an automated electromechanical control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors regarding the spatial orientation and position of the boom, and the controller uses this feedback to make real-time adjustments, ensuring accurate and reliable positioning within the shipping envelope
Data Source
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 series of predetermined steps to automatically position the machine in a shipping configuration.