Modular Mast Fastener Design for Drilling Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surface drill mining machines face challenges with mast length flexibility, leading to increased manufacturing complexity, costs, and inefficiencies due to the need for frequent retrofitting and limitations in accommodating different drilling applications, as well as obstacles in transportation with long masts.

Innovation Solution

A modular mast system comprising a base module, extension modules, and a crown module, joined by fasteners that do not extend beyond a common plane, allowing for adjustable length and easy assembly/disassembly, enabling the drill head to slide smoothly along the mast.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a long mast is used to accommodate shorter pipe segment lengths, then the drilling application flexibility is improved, but the weight and cost of the machine increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling application flexibilityVSAvoidmast weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mast is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be assembled in different configurations. Each section has standardized connection interfaces allowing them to be joined together to form masts of various lengths, enabling the machine to adapt to different drilling applications without carrying unnecessary weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mast length is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The modular design with quick-connect interfaces allows the mast configuration to be changed during operations, enabling the machine to transition between different drilling depths and applications efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the mast is tailored to a specific drilling application with fixed length, then the machine performance for that application is optimized, but the machine cannot be easily adapted to subsequent drilling applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling efficiency for specific applicationVSAvoidadaptability to subsequent applications

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mast is segmented into standardized modular sections that can be reconfigured for different applications. This allows the machine to maintain optimal performance for each specific drilling application while easily transitioning to subsequent applications by adjusting the mast configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular mast sections are designed with universal connection interfaces that work across all drilling applications. A single set of standardized components can serve multiple drilling depth requirements, making the machine universally adaptable to various subsequent applications without requiring application-specific customizations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a long mast is installed at the worksite rather than at the supplier, then the machine can navigate through obstructions like overpasses and tunnels, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time at worksite

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mast is segmented into compact modular sections that can be easily transported through obstructions and quickly assembled at the worksite. The standardized connection interfaces enable rapid assembly without requiring complex installation procedures, reducing both transportation and installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular sections are pre-manufactured with standardized connection interfaces and can be pre-assembled into different configurations before transportation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick on-site assembly or reconfiguration, minimizing installation time at the worksite.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mast sections with protruding fasteners and rails are used to provide flexibility, then mast length adjustment is possible, but the additional rails hinder the use of a pipe-loading carousel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemast length flexibilityVSAvoidcarousel functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional protruding rails are removed from the mast design. Instead, the patent uses a different approach where the drill head is guided by the mast structure itself without requiring additional external rails, thus eliminating the interference with the pipe-loading carousel operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding function traditionally performed by separate rails is merged into the mast structure itself. The mast sections are designed to provide both structural support and guidance for the drill head, eliminating the need for separate rail components that would interfere with the carousel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9945187B2Surface drill modular mast

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING LLC

AI summary

A modular mast for an earth-drilling machine includes a base module, a crown module, and a fastener. The crown module is coupled with the base module via the fastener. The base module and the crown module each have a surface lying in a common plane. The fastener does not extend beyond the common plane.