Parallel Bolting Head for Simultaneous Rock Drilling and Bolt Feeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bolting heads for rock reinforcement require time-consuming positioning movements between drilling and bolt insertion, leading to inefficiencies in rock bolting processes.

Innovation Solution

A bolting head design with a drilling unit and a bolting unit mounted in parallel orientation, allowing simultaneous drilling and bolt feeding without additional positioning movements, and a control unit to manage multiple rock bolt positions efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the drilling unit and bolting unit are mounted sequentially requiring positioning movements between operations, then the structure can be simpler, but the bolting process becomes slower and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebolting process speedVSAvoidbolting head structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the drilling unit and bolting unit into a single bolting head assembly with parallel mounting on the same frame. Both units are positioned to operate simultaneously on adjacent rock bolt positions, eliminating the need for sequential positioning movements and indexing devices. This combining of functions into one integrated structure resolves the contradiction by enabling faster productivity without requiring multiple separate assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from sequential one-dimensional operation (drilling then bolting at the same position) to parallel two-dimensional operation (drilling and bolting at different positions simultaneously). The drilling unit and bolting unit are mounted at a lateral distance corresponding to the rock bolt distance, allowing both units to work in parallel on adjacent positions along the rock surface, thereby doubling the effective productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If positioning movements and indexing devices are used between drilling and bolt insertion, then the units can operate sequentially, but the time required for rock bolting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for positioning movementsVSAvoidoperation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous useful action by having both the drilling unit and bolting unit operate simultaneously without interruption. The drilling unit drills a new hole while the bolting unit inserts a bolt into the previously drilled hole, eliminating idle positioning time. Both units work continuously in parallel, maintaining uninterrupted productive action throughout the bolting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If the drilling unit and bolting unit are mounted in parallel at a lateral distance, then simultaneous drilling and bolt feeding is enabled, but the frame structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous operation capabilityVSAvoidframe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting structure for both drilling and bolting units, defines the lateral distance between them corresponding to the rock bolt distance, and maintains their parallel orientation. This multi-functional frame design resolves the contradiction by consolidating several structural requirements into a single universal supporting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4600460A1Bolting head, bolting rig and method
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR LYON
  • EP4600460A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4600460A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4600460A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A bolting head, bolting rig and method of reinforcing a rock surface by means of rock bolts. The bolting head (4) comprises a frame (18) and at least one drilling unit (5) and at least one bolting unit (7) mounted to the frame in parallel orientation relative to each other. The drilling unit and the bolting unit can be operated simultaneously and without moving them in relation to the frame. Thereby simultaneous drilling and bolt feeding is implemented.