Pivoting Rod Box for HDD Machine Capacity and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drilling machines face constraints in rod box size due to stability and mobility requirements, limiting the capacity and efficiency of drill rod storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable rod box design that transitions between a stowed position to an operational position, allowing the HDD machine to maintain a narrow width for transportation while accommodating more drill rods and maintaining stability by adjusting its center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the rod box size is increased to store more drill rods, then the storage capacity and continuous operation time are improved, but the machine width and overall dimensions exceed the limits required for transportation through narrow openings and gates
Solution Approach 1:
The rod box is designed to be pivotable between a stowed position during transportation and an operational position during drilling operations. This dynamic configuration allows the machine to maintain a narrow width for transportation while providing expanded storage capacity when needed at the worksite.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod box utilizes vertical space by extending upward from the machine frame rather than only horizontally. This dimensional change allows increased storage capacity without proportionally increasing the machine's horizontal footprint, enabling passage through narrow openings while maintaining adequate rod storage.
2Quantity of substance
If the rod box is positioned to maximize storage capacity, then the quantity of drill rods stored is improved, but the machine stability and center of gravity control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rod box is pivotably connected to the machine frame, allowing it to be positioned in different configurations. When not in use or when transportation is required, the rod box can be pivoted to a stowed position that maintains a lower center of gravity and improves machine stability. During operations, it can be positioned optimally for rod storage and access.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod box is designed with a pivotable connection that allows operators to preliminarily position it in a stable, stowed configuration during transportation before arriving at the worksite. This preliminary positioning prevents stability issues during transit, and then the rod box can be repositioned to an operational configuration when drilling begins.
3Ease of operation
If the machine dimensions are reduced to improve mobility and transportation capability, then the ease of moving through narrow openings is improved, but the rod box storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rod box transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, pivoting between a compact stowed position for transportation and an expanded operational position for storage. This allows the machine to maintain small dimensions during mobility while providing adequate storage capacity during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod box design extends storage capacity into the vertical dimension rather than requiring proportional horizontal expansion. This allows the machine to maintain a narrow profile for easy transportation through gates and narrow openings while still accommodating sufficient drill rod storage when the rod box is in its operational position.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables increased drill rod storage capacity while maintaining machine dimensions, facilitating navigation through narrow openings and reducing instability during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The rod box is pivotally connected to the frame at a pivot axis positioned adjacent the lower end of the rod box. The rod box is pivotally movable about the pivot axis between a stowed position and an operational position.
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine that includes a rod box that has a large capacity, which allows the HDD machine to operate continuously for longer periods of time. The rod box has an upper end and a lower end and is pivotally connected to a frame of the HDD machine at a pivot axis positioned adjacent the lower end of the rod box. The rod box is pivotally movable between a stowed position and an operational position. The rod box obstructs movement of a drill head of the HDD machine when in the stowed position and is laterally offset from the drill head when in the operational position so as to not interfere with movement of the drill head. The rod box is tapered such that a width is larger adjacent the upper end of the rod box as compared to the lower end of the rod box.