Drilling Rod Support System for Compact Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current support systems for drilling rods on board operating machines are inefficient, inflexible, and result in oversized loads during transport, leading to logistical and cost issues.

Innovation Solution

A support system comprising a gripping member and a support member that allows the drilling rod to be securely connected to the rotation head and housed near the mast, enabling flexible positioning and reduced overall dimensions during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the drilling rod is transported horizontally on the chassis, then the transport stability is improved, but the overall height and width dimensions increase causing oversize load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport stabilityVSAvoidoverall dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support member enables the drilling rod to be positioned in three-dimensional space around the mast, transitioning from fixed horizontal transport to flexible spatial arrangement. During transport, the rod can be configured close to the mast to minimize dimensions, while during operation it can be positioned at optimal distances

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed to be movable along the mast, allowing dynamic adjustment of the drilling rod's position. This enables the system to adapt between transport configuration (minimal dimensions) and working configuration (optimal operational positioning)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the support member is fixed to the mast, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility in positioning the drilling rod is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed with movable capability along the mast, transforming from a fixed structure to a dynamic positioning system. This allows the drilling rod to be positioned at various distances from the mast depending on operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the drilling rod is positioned far from the mast for large diameter drilling, then the working efficiency is improved, but the transport dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidtransport dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support member enables dynamic repositioning of the drilling rod. During transport, the rod is positioned close to the mast to minimize dimensions. During operation, the support member can be moved to position the rod at the optimal distance from the mast for the specific drilling diameter required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes three-dimensional positioning capability around the mast, allowing the drilling rod to be arranged in different spatial configurations. This enables separation of transport and operational positioning requirements by changing the spatial arrangement

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

Data Source

PatentEP4517041A1Support system for a drilling rod on board an operating machine
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 CASAGRANDE & C
  • EP4517041A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4517041A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5a
  • EP4517041A1 patent drawingFigure 5b

AI summary

Support system (20) for a drilling rod (21) of an operating machine (10) which comprises a drilling unit (13) equipped with a support structure, or mast (17), and a rotation head (18) able to be positioned sliding on said mast (17).