Folding Arm Gripper for Automated Mine Bolt Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripper systems for mine drill modules require manual intervention and additional time to stabilize bolts during insertion, as they need to be manually moved out of the drill's path before advancing.
Innovation Solution
A gripper with folding arms, where the first and second arms are linked such that engagement with the driver during advance causes them to retract towards each other, allowing for automatic alignment and insertion of the bolt without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gripper arm is moved out of the drill's path manually before advancing, then the bolt can be stabilized and inserted, but this requires manual intervention and additional time
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper arm system performs its own retraction and positioning automatically through the folding mechanism. When the driver advances, the folding arms automatically retract toward the central axis, eliminating the need for manual intervention to move the gripper out of the drill's path while maintaining operational efficiency
2Extent of automation
If the gripper arm remains in the drill's path during advance, then automated operation is maintained, but the bolt cannot be properly stabilized and inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper arm transitions from a static extended position to a dynamic folded position during the drilling operation. The arms can extend to grip and position the bolt, then fold inward during driver advancement to clear the path, providing the necessary movement for both automated operation and reliable bolt stabilization
3Strength
If the gripper arm is extended to grip the bolt, then the bolt can be held securely, but the arm occupies space in the drill's path
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper arm is divided into multiple foldable segments that can be arranged in different configurations. When gripping the bolt, the segments extend outward to provide sufficient grip force. During driver advancement, the segments fold inward toward the central axis, reducing the space occupied and clearing the drill's path while maintaining the ability to hold the bolt securely
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
This solution enables efficient and automated bolt insertion, reducing the need for manual stabilization and movement of the gripper, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety in underground mining environments.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is provided for biasing one of the first or second arms toward the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is for installing support for a surface of a mine passage, such as a mine roof, using an object, such as a roof bolt. The apparatus includes a driver adapted to advance toward the surface for driving the object into the surface. A gripper includes first and second arms for gripping the object in a deployed position, such as upper and lower arms. The arms are linked such that engagement by one of the arms with the driver during advance causes the arms to retract towards each other (downwardly, for example, in the case of the upper arm, and upwardly, for example, in the case of the lower arm). Related methods are also disclosed.