Drilling Machine Mast Truss with Lateral Access Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing the inner volume of drilling machine masts for servicing and maintenance is tedious and time-consuming, affecting machine downtime and productivity due to the complexity of existing access methods.
Innovation Solution
A mast design featuring a frame assembly that moves between lowered and raised positions, incorporating a first and second beam, links, reinforcement members, and a plate forming a truss structure, which defines an opening on the lateral side for easy access to the inner volume, facilitating operator ingress and egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mast structure is designed with a closed frame assembly, then structural strength and stability are improved, but access to the inner volume becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is segmented by providing an opening in one of the beams, dividing the otherwise closed structure into sections that allow access while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables service personnel to access the inner volume without compromising the mast's strength.
2Ease of operation
If the mast structure is made open for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is provided locally in one specific beam of the frame assembly rather than making the entire structure open. This localized modification allows access to the inner volume while maintaining the closed, strong structure in all other areas, thus preserving overall structural strength.
3Strength
If complex access methods are used to maintain structural integrity, then structural strength is preserved, but maintenance time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame assembly with an opening, the patent eliminates the need for complex disassembly procedures. Service personnel can directly access the inner volume through the opening, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving structural strength through the remaining closed frame structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A mast for a drilling machine is disclosed. The mast includes a frame assembly defining an inner volume to accommodate a drilling assembly of the drilling machine. The frame assembly includes a first beam, a second beam, a plurality of links, a plurality of reinforcement members, and a plate, that combinedly form a truss. The plate defines an opening to facilitate access to the inner volume of the frame assembly.