Powered Drill-Rod Handler With Movable Pivot Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handling of long and heavy drill rods in ground exploration is a taxing endeavor due to their repeated attachment and detachment during drilling and retrieval, requiring improved mechanization to reduce the physical strain on workers.

Innovation Solution

A powered handler with a suspender pivotable relative to a body, featuring a balancing mechanism that adjusts to maintain balance regardless of the weight of the drill rod, allowing for effortless handling and maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling of drill rods is used, then device complexity is reduced, but worker strain increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidhandler structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a balancing mechanism with counterweights that compensate for the weight of drill rods during handling. The counterweight system is designed to offset the gravitational force on the drill rods, reducing the effort required by operators and enabling easier manipulation of heavy components without requiring excessive mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely manual mechanical handling with a powered handler system that uses controlled mechanical assistance. The system incorporates actuators and control mechanisms that provide powered support for lifting, positioning, and maneuvering drill rods, transitioning from entirely manual operation to a hybrid powered-assisted system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed pivot position is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing adaptabilityVSAvoidpivot positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic pivot positioning system where the pivot point of the suspender can be adjusted along the body structure. This allows the balancing mechanism to adapt its pivot position based on the weight and distribution of the drill rod load, optimizing balance for varying conditions. The system transitions from a static fixed pivot to a movable adjustable pivot that responds to changing operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If heavy drill rods are handled manually, then device complexity remains low, but worker strain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidpowered handler system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The balancing mechanism with counterweights directly addresses the strain issue by compensating for the heavy weight of drill rods. The counterweight system reduces the effective load that operators must manage, making heavy components easier to handle and position while maintaining operational control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The powered handler system replaces manual muscle effort with controlled mechanical assistance through actuators and powered components. This substitution reduces physical strain on workers while providing precise control over drill rod manipulation, transitioning from purely manual handling to powered-assisted operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The powered handler provides balanced and efficient handling of drill rods, reducing user strain and enhancing maneuverability, even under varying load conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a suspender having a proximate end mounted to the body at at least one pivot of the suspender defining a pitch axis of the powered handler, the body pivotable relative to the suspender about the pitch axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPitch axis rotation:

Implementation Method 2

the at least one pivot disposed between the input device and the handling implement and displaceable relative to the body to a balanced position located between a first position and a second position closer to the second end than the first position, the suspender having a distal end spaced upwardly from the body for mounting the suspender so as to suspend the body from the suspender

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational balance: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12421084B2Powered handler with at least one pivot displaceable relative to a body

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 R N P IND

AI summary

A powered handler for handling a workpiece, comprising a body extending between a first and a second end, an input device adjacent the first end, a handling implement adjacent the second end, the handling implement operatively connected to the input device and operable to handle the workpiece, and a suspender having a proximate end mounted to the body at at least one pivot of the suspender defining a pitch axis of the powered handler, the body pivotable relative to the suspender about the pitch axis, the at least one pivot disposed between the input device and the handling implement and displaceable relative to the body to a balanced position located between a first and a second position closer to the second end than the first position, the suspender having a distal end spaced upwardly from the body for mounting the suspender to suspend the body from the suspender.