Rock Drilling Unit Drill Bit Changer Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill bit changing operations in rock drilling are heavy, inconvenient, and pose a risk of personal injury due to the weight, oiliness, and sharp edges of drill bits, necessitating a safer and more efficient method for automatic or semi-automatic handling and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A control device for a rock drilling unit that automates the drill bit changing process using a first threaded connection, a feeding device, a rotating device, an impact device, and a drill bit changer, controlled by a control device that receives operational data to initiate changes based on sensor information and experience data, facilitating safe and efficient drill bit replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of drill bits is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but safety risks increase due to weight, oiliness, and sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service drill bit changing where the drilling rig automatically performs the replacement operation without manual intervention. The control device coordinates the feeding device, rotating device, and impact device to autonomously remove and install drill bits, eliminating direct human contact with hazardous drill bits while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising a feeding device for axial movement, a rotating device for rotational operations, and an impact device for loosening threaded connections. This substitution eliminates safety risks associated with manual handling while preserving the necessary operational capabilities.
2Reliability
If automatic drill bit changing is implemented, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it controls the feeding device for axial movement, the rotating device for rotational operations, the impact device for loosening, and coordinates the entire drill bit changing process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and minimizes overall device complexity while achieving automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding device, rotating device, and impact device are integrated into a unified system controlled by a single control device. These components work together in coordination to perform the drill bit changing operation, merging what could be separate complex subsystems into a cohesive automated unit that reduces overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If manual drill bit replacement is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous drill bit changing operations without interruption to the drilling process. The control device coordinates the feeding device, rotating device, and impact device to perform replacement operations continuously, eliminating the downtime and inefficiency associated with manual replacement while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for drill bit changes in advance by positioning the feeding device and rotating device ready for immediate action. The control device anticipates the need for replacement and initiates the changing process proactively, reducing operational delays and improving productivity without requiring complex real-time decision-making systems.
4Productivity
If automated drill bit changing is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the drill bit changing process and adjust operations accordingly. Sensors detect the status of the feeding device, rotating device, and impact device, allowing the control system to optimize performance and maintain efficiency while managing complexity through intelligent coordination rather than rigid pre-programming.
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 method enables safe, fast, and efficient automatic drill bit changing operations, reducing manual handling risks and enhancing operational efficiency by automating the process based on operational data and sensor feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an impact device for providing impact pulses on the at least one drill rod and the drill bit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to A method performed by a control device (100) for changing a drill bit (3) in a rock drilling unit (8), which drill bit (3) is configured to be connected to at least one drill rod (7) by a first threaded connection (40), the rock drilling unit (8) comprising: a first feeding device (42) for feeding the at least one drill rod (7) and the drill bit (3) in an axial direction; a rotating device (44), which is configured to generate a rotational movement of the at least one drill rod (7) and the drill bit (3); an impact device (46) for providing impact pulses on the at least one drill rod (7) and the drill bit (3); and a drill bit changer (1) for changing drill bits (3) on the at least one drill rod (7), the method comprising: receiving (s101) information about changing the drill bit (3); controlling (s102) the impact device (46) for punching the drill bit (3) against a bottom (48) of a formed drill bore (50) for loosen the first threaded connection (40) between the drill bit (3) and the at least one drill rod (7); controlling (s103) the first feeding device (42) for moving the at least one drill rod (7) and the drill bit (3) out of the drill bore (50); controlling (s104) the rotating device (44) for removing the drill bit (3) from the at least one drill rod (7); controlling (s105) the drill bit changer (1) for changing and replacing the drill bit (3); and controlling (s106) the rotating device (44) for attaching the at least one drill rod (7) to the drill bit (3) by the first threaded connection (40). The invention also relates to a control device (100), a rock drilling unit (8) and a rock drilling rig (5).