Gripper Shuttle Handling Drill String Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rock drill rig operations for core drilling are labor-intensive and risky for operators, as manual handling of drill string components is required for lifting, threading, and guiding, leading to potential injuries and inefficiencies due to the need for frequent drill bit replacements and the complexity of managing long drill strings.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with a guiding beam and a gripper shuttle equipped with a drive wheel and pivotally arranged guiding gripper, allowing for flexible and controlled movement of drill string components, reducing the need for manual handling and enabling automatic alignment and positioning, with a disengageable drive wheel for free movement and adjustable contact pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of drill string components is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but operator safety deteriorates and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device enables self-service automation where the system handles drill string components autonomously. The gripper shuttle automatically grips, transports, and positions components without operator intervention, eliminating manual handling while maintaining operational flexibility through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated handling device comprising a gripper shuttle, drive motor, and guiding mechanisms. The automated system substitutes human operators with mechanical automation that performs lifting, positioning, and alignment functions, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational capability.
2Productivity
If frequent drill bit replacements are performed, then drill string management complexity increases, but productivity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device performs preliminary actions by automatically preparing and positioning drill string components before bit replacement is needed. The automated system pre-positions components in the drill string, reducing the complexity of management during frequent replacements and maintaining drilling productivity through efficient component exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated handling system enables self-service component management where the device autonomously handles drill string assemblies during bit replacements. This eliminates the need for complex manual coordination and reduces management complexity while maintaining the ability to perform frequent replacements without compromising productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If drive wheel is continuously engaged, then gripper shuttle positioning precision is improved, but flexibility and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive wheel engagement is made dynamic rather than static. The system can transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the gripper shuttle to switch between precise positioned movement (when engaged) and flexible free movement (when disengaged). This dynamic engagement enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive wheel operates with periodic engagement and disengagement cycles. The system engages the drive wheel when positioning precision is required, disengages when flexibility is needed, and re-engages when precise positioning is required again. This periodic action pattern allows the system to optimize between precision and flexibility based on operational needs.
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
The solution facilitates safer and more efficient handling of drill string components by automating the alignment and positioning process, reducing operator strain and risk of injury, while allowing for flexible and adjustable handling of components of varying sizes and lengths.
Implementation Method 1
the gripper shuttle includes a drive motor for driving a drive wheel for co-operation with a drive track on the guiding beam
Implementation Method 2
the gripper shuttle includes a pivotally arranged guiding gripper for gripping a first end region of a drill string component
Data Source
AI summary
A handling device for handling drill string components in a rock drill rig which includes a rotator device being arranged for rotation and driving of a drill string component and being supported movable to and fro on a feed beam. The handling device includes an introducing unit configured to introduce drill string components into respectively remove drill string components from a drill string position of the rock drill rig. A guiding beam includes a longitudinal guide. A gripper shuttle is drivingly displaceable along the longitudinal guide. The gripper shuttle includes a pivotally arranged guiding gripper for gripping a first end region of a drill string component. The gripper shuttle carries a drive motor for driving a drive wheel. The drive wheel is disengageable to allow essentially free movement of the gripper shuttle along the longitudinal guide. Also, a rock drill rig.