Rock Drilling Rig Automated Drill Bit Exchange System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual drill bit changing in rock drilling rigs poses safety risks and inefficiencies, as operators must exit the cabin to handle heavy drill bits and navigate unsafe areas, limiting the use of automated or remote operation.
Innovation Solution
A rock drilling rig with two boom units, one equipped with a rock drilling machine and a drill bit, and another with a rack system for drill bit storage, allowing for automated drill bit collection and exchange without operator intervention, enabling safer and faster operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual drill bit changing is used, then the operator can directly handle and replace drill bits, but the operator must exit the cabin and enter unsafe areas, compromising safety
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer device acts as an intermediary between the drill string and the rack, automatically transferring the drill bit without requiring operator intervention. The transfer device includes a transfer mechanism that receives the drill bit from the drill string and places it into the rack, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy drill bits in unsafe areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the drill bit changing process is automated through the transfer device and rack mechanism. The operator initiates the process from the cabin, and the system automatically completes the drill bit replacement, allowing the operation to service itself without continuous human intervention in hazardous zones.
2Ease of operation
If manual drill bit changing is used, then the operator can perform the task, but the process is time-consuming and reduces efficient operating time
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is positioned in advance and pre-loaded with drill bits. The transfer device is pre-configured to automatically transfer drill bits between the drill string and the rack. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual search, handling, and installation operations during the drilling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of handling drill bits is replaced with an automated transfer mechanism. The transfer device uses mechanical automation to perform the drill bit replacement, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual operations while maintaining the same functional capability.
3Extent of automation
If automated drilling is implemented, then drilling can proceed without active human supervision, but manual drill bit changing requires operator intervention, limiting full automation
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit changing system operates autonomously through the transfer device and rack mechanism. The operator remains in the cabin and initiates the process, after which the system automatically transfers and replaces drill bits without requiring the operator to exit or manually handle components. This enables fully automated or remotely supervised drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device serves as an automated intermediary that bridges the drill string and the rack, enabling remote or automated operation. The intermediary mechanism handles all physical interactions with drill bits, allowing operators to supervise from a safe location while the automation manages the complex manual tasks of drill bit replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rock drilling rig (2) and a method in rock drilling. The rock drilling rig (1) comprises a first boom unit (3a) comprising a first rock drilling machine (6a) to be provided with the tool (10) and the drill bit (11) at the distal end of the tool (10), and a second boom unit (3b) comprising at least one rack (20) for accommodating at least one drill bit (11). The first boom unit (3a) and the first rock drilling machine (6a) therein are configured to collect the drill bit (11) from the at least one rack (20) in the second boom unit (3b).