Drilling Machine Mast Assembly Using Movable Support Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly and disassembly of bulky and heavy components in drilling machines, such as the mast, are complex and pose safety risks due to the need for precise coaxial alignment and the use of multiple hoisting means, especially in on-site conditions where equipment and structures may not be available.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of assembling and moving equipment that includes a moving element and a moving actuator to control the relative position and rotation of elongated components, allowing for precise alignment and orientation without the need for multiple hoisting means, using support rollers and actuators to facilitate the connection and disconnection of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple hoisting means are used to align and connect components during assembly, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoaxial alignment precisionVSAvoidnumber of hoisting means
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable support device as an intermediary tool between the hoisting means and the components being assembled. This support device includes a movable platform that can be precisely positioned and oriented using a single hoisting means, while the platform itself provides the functionality of multiple support points and alignment references, thereby eliminating the need for multiple hoisting means simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable support device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a support platform, an alignment reference, and a positioning device. By integrating these functions into a single device that can be controlled by one hoisting means, the patent reduces the overall complexity of the assembly system while maintaining the precision required for coaxial alignment.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple hoisting means are used to support and orient components independently, then assembly precision is improved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent orientation precisionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple hoisting means into a single hoisting means by introducing a movable support device that can be repositioned and reoriented as needed. This consolidation reduces the number of independent control systems required, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining the precision of component orientation through the movable platform's adjustable geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device incorporates movable elements that allow dynamic adjustment of the platform's position and orientation during the assembly process. This dynamic capability enables the single hoisting means to achieve the same precision that would require multiple static hoisting means, reducing both the number of devices needed and the time required for assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If components are assembled on-site without shop equipment, then adaptability is improved, but assembly safety and precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveon-site assembly capabilityVSAvoidassembly safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support device is designed to be self-sufficient for on-site assembly operations. It can be controlled and positioned using a single hoisting means that is typically already present on drilling machines, eliminating the need for external shop equipment. The device's movable platform provides all necessary alignment and support functions, enabling safe and precise assembly in field conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If the mast is constrained through two distinct connection points, then structural stability is improved, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemast constraint stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support device acts as an intermediary that facilitates the connection of the mast to the two distinct connection points on the drilling machine. By providing a movable platform that can be precisely positioned at each connection point, the device enables the mast to be securely constrained at both points without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple hoisting operations, thereby maintaining stability while improving assembly ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3802962B1Drilling machine, assembly procedure, and kit for a drilling machine
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 SOILMEC SPA
  • EP3802962B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3802962B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3802962B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Drilling machine (1) comprising: a main body, a mast (5), whereon a drilling tool is to be mounted, a kinematic mechanism (2) configured for movably constraining the mast (5) to the main body while allowing mutual rotation thereof, wherein the kinematic mechanism (2) includes an elongated component configured for being hinged at its two ends. When the drilling machine (1) is in a drilling operating configuration, the elongated component is hinged at its two ends and performs a structural function in the kinematic mechanism (2) for constraining the mast (5) to the main body. An assembling and moving equipment (20a, 20b) comprises: a moving element movably mounted to a portion of the drilling machine (1) and adapted to support the elongated component, a moving actuator (22) adapted to control the relative position between the moving element and the portion of the drilling machine (1) to which the moving element is mounted. The assembling and moving equipment (20a, 20b) is configured in a manner such that, when the drilling machine (1) is in an assembling configuration, in which one end of the elongated component is released and the moving element is acting upon the elongated component, the movement of the moving element relative to the portion of the drilling machine (1) to which it is mounted will cause a rotation of the elongated component.