One-Handed Stroke Adjustment Mechanism for Rock Drills
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rock drill and hydraulic impact mechanisms require two hands or tools to adjust stroke length, are prone to rough handling, and have complex, costly solutions for changing the energy and frequency of impacts.
Innovation Solution
A simple, one-handed adjustment mechanism using an adjustment pin with longitudinal grooves and a spring-loaded attachment system, allowing rotation to select different stroke adjustment channels without the need for tools, ensuring rapid and cost-effective stroke length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a spring-loaded locking pin is used for stroke adjustment, then the adjustment can be done without tools, but two hands are required and the externally located pin is prone to rough handling
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the adjustment pin with axial grooves for stroke control, the spring-loaded locking mechanism for retention, and the indexing system with notches. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling one-handed operation through proper force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking pin acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the adjustment pin and the housing. It provides automatic locking when the adjustment pin is positioned in a notch, eliminating the need for manual holding while protecting against rough handling through its resilient nature.
2Reliability
If a locking screw is used to secure the adjustment pin, then the pin can be locked in position, but tools are required for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the spring-loaded locking pin that automatically engages with notches in the adjustment pin. The operator only needs to apply axial force to compress the spring and release the locking, without requiring any external tools. The system self-locks when the pin settles into a notch position.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-based mechanical locking system is replaced with a spring-loaded detent mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded fasteners and tools, while maintaining reliable positioning through the interaction between the spring-loaded pin and the notched adjustment pin.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are provided for stroke adjustment, then different stroke lengths can be selected, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment pin serves multiple functions: it acts as a stroke adjustment mechanism through its axial grooves, a locking mechanism through its interaction with notches, and an indexing element through its rotational positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall complexity while providing multiple stroke length options.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including the spring-loaded locking pin that can engage or disengage based on applied force, and the rotational adjustment pin that dynamically connects different channels. This dynamic behavior allows for quick transitions between different stroke lengths without complex mechanical linkages.
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 quick, tool-free, and cost-effective adjustment of stroke length, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing wear and tear, while maintaining the ability to control impact energy and frequency.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded attachment system
Implementation Method 2
spring-loaded attachment system
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to an impact mechanism comprising a housing (32) with at least two stroke adjustment channels (18, 19, 20); an adjustment arrangement (31) with at least two adjustment pin channels (35, 36, 37, 135, 136, 137) arranged to interact in a manner that can be selected with the stroke adjustment channels (18, 19, 20); and a hammer piston (1) that performs reciprocating motion in the housing (32) in order to impact repetitively onto an anvil (2), which hammer piston (1 ) has a stroke length that can be selected with the aid of adjustment pin channels (35, 36, 37, 135, 136, 137) and the stroke adjustment channels (18, 19, 20). According to the invention, the adjustment arrangement (31 ) comprises an elastic element (48) arranged to maintain the adjustment arrangement (31) in place for the stroke length that has been selected; and an operating means (34) arranged to select adjustment pin channel (35, 36, 37, 135, 136, 137) and thus the stroke length of the hammer piston (1).