Gripper Shuttle Guiding Drill String Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drill string handling in rock drill rigs is labor-intensive and risky for operators, as it requires manual alignment and threading of drill string components, leading to potential lifting and clamping injuries, especially during deep drilling operations where frequent drill bit exchanges are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A handling device featuring a gripper shuttle that moves along a guiding beam, allowing for automated alignment and positioning of drill string components, with a pivotally arranged gripper to securely grip and guide the components during lifting and threading, reducing manual intervention and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual handling and alignment of drill string components is performed by operators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of lifting and clamping injuries increases and operator strain is high
Solution Approach 1:
A guiding beam with a pivotally mounted gripper serves as an intermediary mechanism between the drill string component and the operator. The gripper automatically engages with the component's guiding elements, eliminating direct manual handling and aligning the component through controlled mechanical movement rather than operator manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string component is equipped with self-aligning guiding elements (such as guide lugs or flanges) that automatically engage with the gripper mechanism. This self-service feature allows the component to guide its own alignment and positioning without requiring operator skill or manual intervention for precise placement.
2Ease of operation
If automated alignment and positioning mechanisms are introduced, then operator safety is improved and strain is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is pivotally mounted on the guiding beam, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and angle automatically as the drill string component is moved into place. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for complex fixed-position alignment mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling function is segmented into distinct components: the guiding beam provides structural support and movement path, the gripper provides automatic engagement and holding, and the guiding elements on the drill string component provide alignment. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively achieving automated handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent drill bit exchanges are performed during deep drilling operations, then drilling adaptability is improved, but the time and labor required for drill string handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding elements on the drill string components are pre-configured to automatically engage with the gripper mechanism. This preliminary preparation of the component geometry allows for rapid exchange operations, as no time-consuming manual alignment is required when components need to be frequently replaced during deep drilling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handling device for handling drill with a gripper shuttle (40) which is drivingly displaceable along a guiding beam (19) being fastenable to the drill rig in order to extend in a direction from the feed beam while forming an angle therewith, wherein the gripper shuttle (40) has a pivotally arranged guiding gripper (41) for in a first position in a first outermost position on the guiding beam grip a first end portion of a drill string component (8), being intended for lifting from a position outside the rig, the other end portion of which being intended to be in threaded engagement with a lifting plug or the like for co-operation with said lifting winch, and wherein the gripper shuttle (40) in a second position in a second inner position on the guiding beam adjacent to the feed beam (2) is arranged with the guiding gripper (41) to line up said gripped drill string component in the region of the drill string position.