Automatic Drilling Tool Changer Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling tool change mechanisms require a large number of personnel and manual operation, leading to increased downtime and inefficiency in drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic drilling tool changer apparatus with a control system that includes a drilling control device and user interface, allowing for wireless communication over a network to initiate and monitor the change-out operation, utilizing a pivotally movable drill tower and a pivotable drilling tool storage device with a laterally translatable carriage and storage cassette to align and exchange drilling tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of drilling tool change mechanisms is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling tool change mechanism is designed to perform the tool change operation automatically without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect tool wear or breakage, and automatically activates the drive mechanism to replace the drilling tool, enabling the system to serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses electrical signals, sensors, and automated drive mechanisms to accomplish the drilling tool change, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electromechanical systems
2Loss of time
If manual operation of drilling tool change mechanisms is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of tool condition using sensors before the tool actually fails or becomes ineffective. The control system is ready to initiate the tool change sequence in advance, and replacement tools are pre-positioned in the magazine, allowing the change operation to begin before drilling operations are completely halted
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system independently executes the entire tool change sequence without human intervention, from detection to replacement, minimizing the time the drilling operation is interrupted and eliminating delays associated with manual operation
3Productivity
If automated drilling tool changer apparatus is used, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously receives feedback from sensors that monitor tool condition, magazine status, and drive mechanism position. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust its operation, detect anomalies, and ensure proper completion of each tool change sequence, making the complex automated system easier to operate through intelligent monitoring and adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an automatic drilling tool changer apparatus for use with a drilling rig includes a drilling control device programmed with a control scheme for controlling the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus, and a user interface coupled to the drilling control device for initiating actions of the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus and for interactively monitoring a status of the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus. The control scheme includes steps for an automatic drilling tool change-out operation, and the drilling control device and the user interface are configured to communicate with the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus over a network.