Drilling Machine Safety System Using Optical Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety systems for drilling and excavating equipment are cumbersome and limit the operating capabilities of drilling machines, particularly in confined spaces, while failing to prevent operator contact with rotating parts effectively.

Innovation Solution

A sensitive platform that connects to the drilling machine's guide antenna, extending parallel to the ground and adjustable in height, which detects the presence of personnel through weight changes and sends control signals to halt dangerous maneuvers, allowing safe access to the dangerous area without obstructing the machine's movements or stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If movable guards or containment cages are positioned around the dangerous area to prevent operator contact with rotating parts, then safety is improved, but the machine's operating capabilities and agility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperating capabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical containment cage system with an optical detection system (laser scanner) that defines a virtual protective area. The laser scanner detects objects in the dangerous zone and triggers automatic stopping of moving parts, eliminating the need for physical barriers that would restrict machine movement and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If containment cages are used to protect the dangerous area, then operator safety is improved, but the machine's ability to operate in confined spaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidoperating space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection system replaces physical containment structures, allowing the machine to operate in confined spaces without the spatial constraints imposed by large protective cages. The virtual protective area defined by laser beams provides safety without occupying physical space that would limit maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If movable guards are opened to allow operator access to moving parts, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical interlocked guards with an optical detection system that allows continuous operator access to the dangerous area. The laser scanner continuously monitors the zone and automatically stops moving parts when objects are detected, eliminating the need to open or close physical barriers while maintaining both safety and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If protective barriers are installed around the dangerous area, then safety is improved, but the machine's agility and mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidmachine agility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical protective barriers with an optical detection system that provides protection without mechanical constraints. The laser scanner and automatic stopping mechanism enable the machine to move and reposition quickly without the inertia and spatial limitations imposed by large protective structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables safe and efficient operation in tight spaces by preventing operator contact with rotating parts while maintaining the machine's agility and stability, allowing for various drilling configurations without the need for extensive barriers.

Implementation Method 1

which detects the presence of personnel through weight changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight change detection: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2982829B1Safety system for controlling a dangerous area of a drilling machine

Publication Date: 2017.06.28 SOILMEC SPA

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AI summary

A safety system is described, for controlling a dangerous area of a drilling machine (1) comprising a guide antenna (3) and a rotary head (5), slidably coupled on said guide antenna (3) and provided for supporting and moving a drill stem (6). The dangerous area delimits at least partially the region of space around the guide antenna (3). The safety system comprises at least one sensitive platform (9), associated with the drilling machine (1) at said guide antenna (3) and extending along a plane oriented so as to at least partially cover said dangerous area. The safety system further comprises one or more sensitive devices (8) operatively connected to the sensitive platform (9), configured to detect the presence of one or more operators on the sensitive platform (9) and to generate, following said detection, a corresponding control signal suitable for immediately stopping at least the rotation of the drill stem (6), so as to preserve the safety of the operators.