Horizontal Directional Drill Pipe Transport Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drills require tedious and time-consuming manual operations for transporting drill rods between the rod box and connection area, which can lead to operator fatigue and increased risk of errors due to repetitive tasks and potential interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal directional drill with a pipe transport apparatus and control system that automates the movement of drill rods between the rod box and connection area, allowing operators to input commands that execute a series of physical operations, pausing between actions to maintain operator control and reduce manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control is used for transporting drill rods, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but operator fatigue increases and productivity decreases due to repetitive tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe transport apparatus performs transporting operations autonomously based on operator commands, executing sequences of physical operations (gripping, moving, positioning drill rods) without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically coordinating multiple components to complete the transport task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that orchestrates the pipe transport apparatus. The electronic controller automates the sequencing and coordination of mechanical components (grippers, conveyors, positioners), substituting manual mechanical manipulation with automated control while maintaining operator oversight.
2Loss of time
If complete manual control is used for pushing and pulling operations, then operator flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases due to multiple distinct operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distinct physical operations (gripping, transporting, positioning, releasing drill rods) into integrated automated sequences controlled by a single electronic controller. Instead of requiring separate manual operations for each step, the system combines these functions into coordinated automated routines that execute efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is pre-programmed with sequences of operations that automatically execute when triggered by operator commands. The electronic controller has stored instruction sets that prepare and coordinate the pipe transport apparatus in advance, eliminating the need for real-time manual decision-making for each individual operation step.
3Productivity
If automated pipe transport apparatus is implemented, then productivity increases and operator fatigue reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller serves multiple functions: it coordinates the pipe transport apparatus, monitors operational status, executes pre-programmed sequences, and responds to operator inputs. This multi-functional design consolidates control capabilities into a single device, managing complexity rather than increasing it through multiple separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex mechanical components of the pipe transport apparatus. It translates simple operator commands into coordinated sequences of mechanical actions, shielding the operator from complexity while maintaining productivity benefits through automated execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal directional drill and method relate to a control system adapted to operate a pipe transport apparatus to move a drill rod between a rod box and a connection area. The control system commands the pipe transport apparatus to perform a plurality of actions wherein at least one of the actions comprises two or more of the plurality of physical operations. The control system includes an operator input device configured to generate a command in response to an operator input. The control system may require persistent engagement of the operator input device to complete each action. The pipe transport apparatus pauses upon completing each of the plurality of actions until the command is again provided from the operator input device.