Articulated Drilling Machine Dynamic Track Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled drilling machines face challenges in maintaining stability, especially in restricted environments and on inclined or bumpy surfaces, due to limitations in movement and orientation of the drilling member, which can lead to imbalances and inefficiencies in drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional articulated drilling machine with improved stability is designed, featuring a self-propelled motor vehicle with parallel tracks that can adjust their distance, a drilling member mounted on an arm with multiple rotational axes, and oleodynamic cylinders for controlled movement, allowing for versatile orientation and positioning on various ground conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the drilling member is equipped with long guides (drill head strokes greater than 7 meters), then the drilling capability is improved, but the machine's stability deteriorates due to limitations on movements and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic track spacing system where the distance between tracks can be adjusted during operation. This allows the machine to adapt its stability configuration to match the specific drilling task - using wider spacing for long-stroke drilling operations to maintain stability, while allowing closer spacing for maneuvering in restricted environments. The system transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration to resolve the contradiction between drill head stroke length and machine stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine operates in restricted environments, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to complicated movement and positioning maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of track spacing to balance adaptability and stability. In restricted environments, the tracks can be positioned closer together to improve maneuverability and reduce the machine's footprint. When stability is required during drilling operations, the tracks can be spread wider apart. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the machine to maintain stability across varying operational conditions and environmental constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drilling member is oriented for excavations on inclined or bumpy surfaces, then the versatility is improved, but the machine stability deteriorates due to ground conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic track spacing system that can be adjusted to compensate for unstable ground conditions. When operating on inclined or bumpy surfaces requiring specific drilling orientations, the tracks can be positioned wider apart to create a more stable base. This dynamic adjustment allows the machine to maintain stability while achieving the necessary drilling orientations for various surface conditions.
4Ease of operation
If the drilling member movements cause imbalances, then the drilling flexibility is improved, but the machine stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterbalancing mechanisms including weights and springs positioned to offset the imbalances caused by drilling member movements. As the drilling member extends or repositions, creating potential instability, the counterweight system generates opposing forces to maintain the machine's center of gravity within stable limits. This allows flexible drilling operations while preventing stability deterioration through active counterbalancing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a multifunctional articulated drilling machine (M), particularly but not exclusively suitable for excavation and drilling operations in galleries and tunnels, comprising a vehicle (1) equipped with tracks (61, 62) and a drilling member (3), a connection arm (2) suited to connect said drilling member (3) to said vehicle (1), first constraining means (5) suited to constrain the lower end (2a) of said arm (2) to said vehicle (1), second constraining means (4) suited to constrain said guide (31) of the drilling member (3) to the upper end (2b) of said arm (2). The tracks (61, 62) can be translated crosswise in order to vary the distance (63) between them.