Pivotable Drive Head for Drilling Direction Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current underground drilling technologies require cumbersome and time-consuming adjustments to change drilling directions, involving bulky equipment handling and lack of flexibility, which poses safety risks and inefficiencies in resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A drilling arrangement with a pivotable drive head and feed member system that allows for 180-degree pivoting about a transverse axis, enabling drilling in opposite directions from a single location without disassembly, facilitated by a computer program controlling the operation for enhanced safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the drilling equipment is moved to another drift or dismantled for changing drilling direction, then drilling in multiple directions becomes possible, but operational time increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling direction flexibilityVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drive head is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot mechanism that allows rotation between multiple drilling directions. The pivot mechanism includes a pivot axis perpendicular to the drive member axis, enabling the drive head to rotate and lock at different angular positions without moving the entire drilling rig or dismantling components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling equipment is segmented into modular components, with the drive head being a separate pivotable unit from the drive member support device. This segmentation allows the drive head to be independently rotated and repositioned while the main rig structure remains in place, reducing the time required for direction changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If retaining structures are handled to change drilling orientation, then drilling direction can be changed, but work complexity and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling orientation change capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-servicing, with the drive head automatically maintaining its position through the pivot axis constraint. The system includes self-locking features that secure the drive head at desired angles without requiring complex external retaining structures or multiple handling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the derrick is transported to larger spaces or ground level for adjustment, then drilling equipment can be reoriented, but operational efficiency decreases and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment reorientation capabilityVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot mechanism provides multi-functional capability, allowing the drive head to drill in multiple directions (including opposite directions) from a single fixed position of the drive member support device. This eliminates the need to transport or reposition the entire derrick structure, maintaining operational safety while achieving versatile drilling orientations.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If cranes are used to change extension of drive member support device, then drilling configuration can be adjusted, but operational time increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive member configuration adjustmentVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical pivot mechanism replaces the need for crane-based adjustment systems. The pivot axis and associated locking mechanism provide a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective means of changing drive head orientation compared to heavy crane operations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining configuration adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2961910B8Drilling arrangement and method pertaining to the drilling arrangement
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AB

AI summary

The invention relates to a method pertaining to a drilling arrangement (7) comprising a drive member support device (49) for fixing a drive member (13) arranged at the drilling arrangement (7), wherein the drive member (13) operates in a direction (R), the method comprising: - providing a drive head (19) with an axis of rotation (22) adapted for engagement with a drill string means (59), wherein the drive head (19) is arranged to cooperate with a feed member (14; 15) operating in respectively a first (P) and a second (&Rgr;') direction; - providing the drive head (19) pivotable relative to the drive member support device (49) and the feed member (14; 15) about an axis of rotation (A) extending transverse said direction (R); - pivoting the drive head from a first fixed end position (VI; 26) where the axis of rotation (22) of the drive head is parallel to said direction (R) and the feed member (14; 15) drives the drive head (19) in the first direction (P), to a second fixed end position (V2; 28) where the axis of rotation (22) of the drive head is parallel to said direction (R) and the feed member (14; 15) drives the drive head (19) in the second direction (&Rgr;'), where the directions (P) and (&Rgr;') are opposite. The invention also relates to a drilling arrangement and a computer program product comprising program code for an electronic control unit associated with the drilling arrangement for performing the method.