Automated Rod Section Selection in Earth Boring Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earth boring devices face increased drilling time due to manual selection of rod sections, which can lead to inefficiencies and rod loss due to uneven wear or fatigue.

Innovation Solution

An automated system for selecting rod sections based on predetermined sequences or criteria, using a controller to optimize rod selection and rearrangement within the rod magazine, considering drilling parameters and rod section parameters to extend the service life and reduce wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual selection of rod sections is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the drilling time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddrilling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to automatically detect rod section parameters (wear, fatigue, position) and the controller autonomously selects and transfers the optimal rod section without operator intervention. The rod magazine self-manages its inventory by receiving feedback from sensors and automatically rearranging rod sections based on wear patterns and drilling requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical selection process is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect rod section conditions and a transfer device with drive mechanisms (toothed racks, drive gears, gripping units) to automatically position and transfer rod sections to the drill carriage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual selection of rod sections is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to automatically detect rod section parameters (wear, fatigue, position) and the controller autonomously selects and transfers the optimal rod section without operator intervention. The rod magazine self-manages its inventory by receiving feedback from sensors and automatically rearranging rod sections based on wear patterns and drilling requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical selection process is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect rod section conditions and a transfer device with drive mechanisms (toothed racks, drive gears, gripping units) to automatically position and transfer rod sections to the drill carriage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If rod sections are selected without automated control, then the device complexity is reduced, but rod loss due to fatigue or wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidrod loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors continuously monitor rod section parameters including wear, fatigue, and position within the magazine. This feedback is sent to the controller, which uses the data to identify rod sections approaching failure thresholds and proactively selects replacement sections before failure occurs, preventing rod loss during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of rod section conditions using sensors to detect wear and fatigue before they lead to failure. The controller proactively selects and positions suitable rod sections in advance, ensuring that worn sections are replaced before they cause drilling interruptions or safety issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3722552B1Earth boring device, transfer device of an earth boring device, control of a transfer device of an earth boring device and method for controlling an earth boring device

Publication Date: 2022.12.28 TRACTO TECHN

Figure 1~2

AI summary

Earth drilling device with a drill carriage defining a drill string axis, a drill string magazine for a plurality of different drill string sections, and a transfer device for transferring a drill string section between the drill string magazine and the drill string axis, wherein the drill string magazine is designed for a horizontal arrangement of the drill string sections in adjacent compartments for access from above by means of the transfer device, wherein a control of the transfer device is designed to select a specific drill string section in the drill string magazine depending on at least one drilling parameter and/or at least one drill string parameter.