Rock Drilling Gripper With Intermediate Jaw Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripper systems for rock drilling tools lack versatility and precision in handling tools of different dimensions, and are not easily adaptable to existing drilling units, limiting their operational modes and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The gripper system incorporates an adjusting piston with three operational positions, allowing for three modes of operation (open, guiding, and gripping) by controlling the hydraulic cylinder's piston rod length, enabling precise positioning and movement control of the gripping jaw, and can be retrofitted to existing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic cylinders with two positions are used, then the structure is simple, but the gripper lacks versatility and precision in handling tools of different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder is segmented into two independent pistons (adjusting piston and gripping piston), each controlling specific aspects of gripping jaw movement. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple operational modes through different combinations of piston positions, thereby improving versatility without requiring entirely separate hydraulic systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder transitions from a static two-position system to a dynamic three-position system through the adding of the adjusting piston. This dynamic enhancement allows the gripping jaw to adapt its position continuously between extreme and intermediate positions, improving the system's ability to handle tools of different dimensions while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the gripping jaw movement range is limited to two extreme positions, then the control is simple, but the positioning precision for tools of different dimensions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting piston acts as an intermediary element between the hydraulic control system and the gripping jaw. By introducing this intermediate component, the system achieves precise positioning through three distinct piston rod lengths (fully retracted, intermediate, fully extended), which correspond to different gripping scenarios. This intermediary mechanism enhances positioning accuracy while keeping the control logic relatively simple through hydraulic valve control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing drilling units are to be retrofitted, then adaptability to current systems is improved, but the modification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder design with three positional modes serves multiple functions: it provides different gripping forces, accommodates tools of varying dimensions, and enables various operational modes (open, guiding, gripping). This multi-functionality allows the same component to be adapted to different drilling unit configurations and tool types, facilitating retrofitting while managing modification complexity through a standardized yet versatile design.
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 solution provides a more versatile and accurate handling of rock drilling tools with different dimensions, allowing for improved control and adaptability, enhancing the gripper's functionality and ease of use across various operational modes.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic cylinder has at least one adjusting piston (16) having a first operating position with a first fixed stoppage and a second operating position with a fixed second stoppage
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper, a rock drilling unit and a method of handling drilling tools is provided. The gripper includes a hydraulic cylinder and at least one gripping jaw movable by means of the hydraulic cylinder towards and away from the drilling tool. The hydraulic cylinder has at least one adjusting piston having a first operating position with a first fixed stoppage and a second operating position with a fixed second stoppage. The adjusting piston limits movement length of a piston rod at one of the first and second operating positions to provide the gripping jaw with an intermediate position between extreme movement positions of the gripping jaw.