Locator Box for Horizontal Drilling Under Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal drilling operations, especially under water or over obstacles, are inefficient and risky due to the need for manual alignment and data collection by an operator, which prolongs the process and exposes personnel to hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a locator box attached to a suspension assembly, allowing remote operation and data collection via a wireless transmitter and remote control device, enabling the locator box to follow the drill head's path and adjust its position automatically, thus eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and data collection by operator is used, then accurate readings can be obtained, but operational time is prolonged and personnel are exposed to hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The locator box automatically follows the drill head along the borehole path without requiring manual repositioning. The system uses the drill head's own motion to drive the locator box forward, eliminating the need for operators to physically follow and reposition the device at regular intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation system with an automated system that uses wireless communication between the drill head transmitter and locator box receiver. The locator box is automatically positioned and triggered based on wireless signals, eliminating the need for manual alignment and trigger activation
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment and data collection by operator is used, then accurate readings can be obtained, but personnel are exposed to hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The locator box autonomously follows the drill head and collects data without human intervention in the hazardous zone. The system self-positions along the suspension assembly and self-triggers data collection based on wireless signals from the drill head
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for operators to physically follow the drill head by replacing manual mechanical positioning with an automated wireless control system. The remote control device allows operation from a safe location, substituting direct human presence with electronic control
3Measurement precision
If locator box is manually repositioned at regular intervals, then data collection can be performed, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locator box continuously follows the drill head along the entire borehole path without interruption. The automated system maintains continuous data collection as the drill head progresses, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual repositioning and triggering at regular intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The locator box automatically positions itself along the suspension assembly and triggers data collection based on wireless signals from the drill head, eliminating the need for operators to manually reposition and operate the device at regular intervals
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for horizontal drilling under a body of water or other obstacle impassable by foot is disclosed. The apparatus includes a locator box, a horizontal drill rig with a drill head, a transmitter operably coupled to the drill head, a suspension assembly extending over the obstacle above a bore hole line, and a remote control device paired with the locator box capable of wirelessly sending instructions and wirelessly receiving data from the locator box. The locator box is operably coupled to the suspension assembly that allows it to be positioned at any point along the suspension assembly. In the present method, the locator box follows along the drilling path, roughly at the level of the drill head, in order to accurately read information about the position, pitch, and temperature of the drill head, without requiring an operator to follow the path.