Rock Drill Feed Leg One-Hand Control Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual rock drill machines face difficulties in controlling the feed leg and starting mechanism simultaneously, as they are typically located at a distance from each other, making it challenging to operate them efficiently during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
The control for the feed leg and the starter for the rock drill machine are integrated onto a rear handle, allowing for simultaneous operation with one hand, with the starter featuring a pivotable arm that moves towards the machine for activation, ensuring ergonomic, secure, and controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control for the feed leg and the starter for the rock drill machine are located at a distance from each other, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it becomes difficult to operate both controls simultaneously with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The control for the feed leg and the starter for the rock drill machine are merged into a single integrated control unit located on the rear handle. This allows both controls to be operated simultaneously with one hand, eliminating the need to move the hand between separately located controls while maintaining a compact and manageable device structure
2Ease of operation
If the control and starter are integrated on the rear handle, then ease of operation is improved, but the control may be exposed to external violence and unintentional operation
Solution Approach 1:
The starter arm is designed to be movable, pivoting from a retracted start position to an activated position against the rock drill machine. This dynamic positioning allows the control to be protected in its retracted position while remaining accessible for operation, balancing protection with ease of use
3Ease of operation
If the starter arm is positioned close to the control, then simultaneous operation is enabled, but the starter arm may interfere with control operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control is positioned in a different spatial dimension (above or obliquely above) relative to the starter arm, allowing both components to be accessed simultaneously without interference. This vertical or angular separation in the third dimension enables independent operation of both controls while maintaining compact integration
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 configuration enhances ergonomics, security, and control during drilling, protecting the control from external interference and allowing for seamless operation without hand movement, facilitating easier collaring and drilling processes.
Implementation Method 1
The feed leg can be pneumatically or hydraulically operated. The control for the feed leg is traditionally located directly on the feed leg
Data Source
AI summary
A rock drill machine with a feed leg. The feed leg is attached to the rock drill machine with one end and rests on a support with another end. The feed leg is configured to feed the rock drill machine in a drilling direction and to interrupt feeding of the rock drill machine in the drilling direction. A control regulates the feed leg and a starter activates the rock drill machine. The control is provided on a rear handle in close proximity to the starter such that the control and the starter can be reached at the same time with one hand. Hereby, it is possible, with one hand, to activate and interrupt activation of the rock drill machine respectively, and simultaneously regulate the feed leg to feed the rock drill machine in the drilling direction and interrupt the feeding of the rock drill machine in the drilling direction.