Rock Drilling Machine Sensing Cord for Accurate Data Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rock drilling rigs face challenges in accurately measuring and gathering data during the drilling process due to mechanical loadings and impact pulses affecting integrated sensing devices, and issues with data transmission from the drill hole.

Innovation Solution

A rock drilling rig with a sensing cord system that feeds sensing devices through a central flushing passage of the drilling tool, providing continuous mechanical contact and control, allowing for durable and versatile data collection, and enabling the use of various sensors without exposing them to harmful mechanical impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensing devices are integrated to the drilling tool, then data collection during drilling is enabled, but the sensing device is subjected to great mechanical loadings and impact pulses causing the sensing device to fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidsensing device durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible sensing cord is introduced as an intermediary element that transmits sensing devices into the drilling tool through the flushing passage. The sensing cord acts as a mediator that allows the sensing device to be positioned near the drill bit for accurate data collection while maintaining a flexible connection that can accommodate mechanical movements and reduce stress on the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing device is extracted from direct integration with the rigid drilling tool structure and instead connected via a flexible cord that passes through the flushing passage. This separation allows the sensing device to be positioned optimally for measurement while being isolated from the most severe mechanical loadings through the flexible connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If sensing devices are located outside the drill hole, then mechanical loadings are avoided, but accurate data gathering during the drilling process cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing device protectionVSAvoiddata gathering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing cord serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the protected sensing device (located outside or at the entrance of the drill hole) and the measurement point (near the drill bit). This flexible mediator allows the device to remain relatively protected while still enabling accurate local measurements through the cord's transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If sensing devices are positioned close to the drill bit for accurate measurement, then data collection near the monitored target is improved, but the device is exposed to harmful mechanical impacts and heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring data accuracyVSAvoidmechanical impacts and heat exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible sensing cord acts as a flexible element that can accommodate the harsh environment near the drill bit while protecting the sensing device. The flexibility allows the cord to bend and move with the drilling tool's movements, reducing stress concentration and protecting the device from mechanical impacts and thermal effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing cord functions as a protective intermediary between the sensing device and the harsh drilling environment. It transmits mechanical movements and forces away from the device while still allowing the device to detect local conditions accurately through its flexible connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connection is used for sensing devices, then structural stability is improved, but the sensing device cannot accommodate drilling movements and fails sooner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing system stabilityVSAvoidsensing device operating life

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing cord is a flexible element that replaces rigid connections in the sensing system. This flexibility allows the system to accommodate drilling movements, vibrations, and tool flexing while maintaining continuous connection and data transmission, thereby extending the device's operating life without sacrificing system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3670831B1Rock drilling machine, rock drilling rig and measuring method

Publication Date: 2023.02.15 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9

AI summary

A rock drilling machine, rock drilling rig and method of measuring physical features during rock drilling. The rock drilling machine (6) comprises one or more sensing devices (19) which are arranged in connection with a bendable sensing cord (20). The sensing cord is fed via a feed passage (21) to a flushing passage (15) of a drilling tool (8).