Rock Drill Retainer Synchronization via Interleaved Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rock drilling retainer systems require significant space and weight due to complex mechanical interconnections for synchronized movement of clamping arms, which hinders efficient operation and centering of drill rods and other excavation tools.
Innovation Solution
The retainer system employs interleaved shape surfaces on the clamping arms with a connecting pin for synchronized movement, allowing interdependence without adding to the outer dimensions or weight, using a simple mechanical structure with minimal components, and utilizing shape members between pivot joints for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical interconnections are used for synchronized movement of clamping arms, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization function directly into the clamping arm structure by creating interleaved shape surfaces on the arms themselves, eliminating the need for separate mechanical interconnection components. This integration maintains reliable synchronization while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arms are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide clamping force through actuation and simultaneously achieve synchronization through their interleaved shape surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated synchronization components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical synchronization structures are used, then synchronized movement is achieved, but the retainer occupies significant space on the feed beam
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism is nested within the clamping arm structure itself through interleaved shape surfaces. This nesting approach allows the synchronization function to be achieved without adding external components that would increase the retainer's overall footprint on the feed beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial/interleaved dimension between clamping arms to achieve synchronization, rather than requiring additional axial or longitudinal space. The interleaved shape surfaces engage in the radial direction, allowing synchronization without increasing the retainer's length or width on the feed beam.
3Reliability
If additional synchronization components are added, then movement interdependence is achieved, but the retainer weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization function is merged with the clamping arm structure through interleaved shape surfaces, eliminating the need for separate synchronization components. This integration achieves movement interdependence without adding significant weight, as the synchronization capability is inherent in the arm geometry rather than requiring additional material.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arms are designed to simultaneously provide structural support, actuation response, and synchronization through their interleaved shape surfaces. This multi-functionality means that the same structural elements serve multiple purposes, avoiding additional weight from dedicated synchronization components.
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
This solution enables reliable, space-efficient, and lightweight synchronization of clamping arms, allowing precise centering and clamping of drill rods and other tools, enhancing the operational efficiency of rock drilling units without increasing the retainer's outer dimensions or weight.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting pin arranged in the connecting channel whereby the connecting pin transmits movement between the shape surfaces of the clamping arms
Data Source
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for using a retainer, and to a retainer. The retainer(14) comprises a first clamping arm (18a) and a second clamping arm (18b) provided with clamping jaws (21a, 21b) for clamping a drill rod (9), a rock bolt or the like. The clamping arms are turned in relation to their pivot points (19a, 19b) by an actuator (20), whereby the clamping jaws move either towards or away from each other. On the portion between the pivot points of the clamping arms there are shape members that interconnect the movements of the clamping arms to make them interdependent and thus synchronize the movements of the clamping arms in both directions of movement of the clamping arms.