Drilling Mast Vibration Monitoring Through Force-Amplitude Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling machines face challenges in predicting and controlling vibrations during operation, leading to potential tool and machine damage, with operating ranges often limited by subjective operator feedback and speed restrictions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a detection device that measures forces on connection points and piston-cylinder units, analyzing vibration amplitude relative to predefined limits, and automatically taking corrective actions to prevent critical conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the operating range of the drilling machine is expanded by allowing higher speeds and Kelly bar extensions, then productivity is improved, but the risk of tool oscillation and vibration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling speedVSAvoidtool oscillation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the actual vibration behavior of the drilling tool through sensors and compares it against predicted vibration values. When deviations are detected, the control system automatically adjusts operating parameters or alerts the operator, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that enables safer operation at higher speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of expected vibration behavior based on operating parameters before actual drilling occurs. By predicting vibration characteristics in advance and comparing them with actual measurements, the system can prevent oscillation issues before they cause damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the maximum speed of the drilling tool is restricted to prevent vibration, then tool and machine damage is reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine safetyVSAvoiddrilling speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time vibration monitoring and comparison with predicted values to provide feedback control. This allows the machine to operate at higher speeds while automatically adjusting parameters to maintain safety, rather than imposing static speed limits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on actual vibration conditions rather than using fixed speed restrictions. The control system adapts the drilling speed and other parameters in real-time to maintain safe operating conditions while maximizing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a release switch is required to enable higher speeds, then operator control is maintained, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator controlVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors and controls vibration parameters through continuous feedback, eliminating the need for manual release switches. The control system handles safety monitoring automatically, freeing the operator from complex control procedures while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances safety and expands the operating range of drilling machines by reliably detecting and mitigating vibrations, reducing the risk of damage and enabling operation in previously inaccessible areas.

Implementation Method 1

the detection device records at least one force currently acting on a connection point and/or a piston-cylinder unit of the machine... the control system determines the vibration amplitude of the force measured by the detection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4528035B1Method for monitoring a working machine using a male only, and working machine using a male only
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 LIEBHERR WERK NENZING
  • EP4528035B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4528035B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the operation of a machine, which comprises a control unit, a detection device, a carrier unit, and a mast attached thereto, on which a tool, in particular a piling or drilling tool, is mounted. During operation of the machine, the detection device detects at least one force currently acting on a connection point and/or a piston-cylinder unit and provides this information to the control unit. According to the invention, the control unit determines the amplitude of the measured force, compares the amplitude and/or a value derived therefrom against at least one limit value, and automatically executes an action when a limit value is reached.The invention further relates to a work machine, in particular a civil engineering machine, comprising a carrier unit, a marker attached thereto, a detection device, and a control system for carrying out the method according to the invention. The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program product.