Rock Drilling Rig Battery Pack Switching for Continuous Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The electrification of rock drilling rigs faces challenges such as limited battery capacity, dependency on external electrical networks, and reduced mobility due to power cable connections, which hinder flexibility and efficiency in mining operations.

Innovation Solution

A rock drilling rig equipped with a control unit that manages multiple battery packs, allowing power distribution from any battery pack, simultaneous charging from an external source, and exchange of batteries during operation, independent of external networks, using a combination of electric batteries and a fuel cell for redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional drill rigs are used in confined spaces, then the rig can operate in limited areas, but the rig requires extensive reconfiguration and disassembly to navigate between drill sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate in confined spacesVSAvoidtime for reconfiguration and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drill rig is divided into multiple modular components including a power pack, control system, and drill head that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the rig to be quickly reconfigured by separating and relocating individual modules rather than reconfiguring the entire system, directly reducing the time loss associated with moving between drill sites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drill rig incorporates dynamically adjustable components such as height-adjustable support legs and reconfigurable hydraulic connections. These dynamic features enable the rig to adapt to different terrain conditions and operational requirements without requiring complete disassembly, allowing rapid transition between different drilling locations while maintaining operational flexibility in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If the drill rig is made more modular for easier reconfiguration, then the time for reconfiguration decreases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for reconfigurationVSAvoidmodular component structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection points that can accommodate multiple functions and configurations. The power pack and control system modules can serve different drilling applications through standardized mounting and connection mechanisms, reducing the need for specialized components for each configuration scenario and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular system utilizes standardized parameters such as uniform connection interfaces, consistent mounting patterns, and interchangeable components with varying specifications. This standardization allows different modules to be combined in various configurations without requiring complex custom integration, enabling rapid reconfiguration while keeping the base module design relatively simple and reusable across multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the drill rig uses traditional hydraulic systems, then the system is reliable, but the hydraulic hoses require regular inspection and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic system reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drill rig replaces traditional flexible hydraulic hoses with rigid hydraulic piping and hard-wired electrical connections. This substitution eliminates the wear and degradation issues associated with flexible hoses while maintaining hydraulic system reliability through more durable rigid conduits that do not require regular inspection and replacement, directly reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic system is pre-configured with permanent rigid piping during module assembly, with all connections established beforehand rather than requiring flexible hoses to be routed and connected during field operations. This preliminary action of establishing fixed hydraulic pathways during manufacturing or initial assembly eliminates the need for subsequent hose inspection and replacement, maintaining reliability while reducing ongoing maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4413227B1Rock drilling rig, system of mining equipment and method therefor

Publication Date: 2026.04.29 EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AB

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AI summary

Rock drilling rig (101), comprising a carriage (1011), a rock drilling machine (1013), a control unit (CU) and an interface (10) for receiving at least one electrical battery pack (b1, b2), wherein the control unit (CU) is configured to control the rock drilling rig (101) to perform work tasks according to a work cycle, and the control unit (CU) is configured to control operating power from any electric battery pack (b1, b2) provided in the interface(10), wherein the interface (10) is configured to receive a plurality of independent battery packs (b1, b2) and the control unit (CU) is configured to selectively control operating power from any electrical battery packs (b1, b2) provided in the interface (10).