Rock Drilling Rig Control Interface Phase Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of rock drilling rigs face challenges in managing the complex information flow during multiple drilling events, as existing solutions do not effectively display and update information on the current, previous, and upcoming working phases, making it difficult to monitor and control simultaneous drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus for rock drilling rigs that displays phase-specific information elements, allowing the operator to easily track the current, previous, and upcoming working phases, with an input device to update these indicators in response to changes, enhancing usability and information management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple drilling events are monitored simultaneously with several meters, then comprehensive information is provided, but information management becomes difficult for the operator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation flowVSAvoidinformation management
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into distinct working phase indicators, each representing a specific phase of the drilling event. This segmentation allows the operator to see multiple phases simultaneously without information overload, as each phase is clearly separated and labeled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to the display by showing current, previous, and upcoming working phases simultaneously. This multi-temporal view helps operators manage complex drilling sequences by providing context about phase transitions without requiring multiple separate displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If automatic control is used for drilling, then drilling precision is improved, but operator monitoring capability across multiple drilling events is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling precisionVSAvoidmonitoring capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback to the operator by displaying the current working phase and transitioning between phases automatically while keeping the operator informed. This feedback mechanism maintains operator awareness and monitoring capability even when automatic control handles the precise drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides automatic phase control information, monitors drilling progress, and alerts operators to phase transitions. This multi-functionality allows the same interface to support both automatic control and operator monitoring without requiring separate systems.

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

3Loss of information

If detailed information about each working phase is displayed, then operator awareness is improved, but display complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator awarenessVSAvoiddisplay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each working phase indicator displays information specific to that phase's context and importance. Critical phase transitions receive prominent display treatment, while less critical information is displayed with lower visual weight. This local quality approach provides detailed information where needed without uniformly increasing display complexity across all elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP1920134B1User interface for rock drilling rig
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • EP1920134B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP1920134B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3
  • EP1920134B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a control apparatus for controlling a rock-drilling rig performing a multiphase rock-drilling event. The control apparatus is arranged to display a working phase indicator on a display, and rock drilling phase-specific information elements is associated with different working phases. The control apparatus is arranged to specify the phase of the rock-drilling event and to update the working phase indicator to display at least one display information element in accordance with the specified working phase.