Rod Support System with Arcuate Cam Tracks for Angled Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rod support systems for blast hole drilling equipment face challenges in securely gripping and aligning rods at angles, leading to sagging and increased risk of rod escape, especially when multiple rods are closely packed in carousels, which limits their capacity and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A rod support system featuring a gripper assembly with upper and lower jaw assemblies constrained by cam followers along non-circular arcuate tracks, allowing for secure gripping and alignment of rods by moving jaws along the tracks to accommodate rods of varying sizes and angles, thereby preventing sagging and ensuring proper alignment with the drill hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rods are packed closer together in the carousel to increase capacity, then the quantity of rods stored increases, but the space available for the gripping mechanism decreases and rods are more prone to sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a horizontal gripping approach to a vertical gripping orientation. The rod support system positions the gripping mechanism above the rod, allowing vertical engagement that utilizes the vertical dimension rather than horizontal space. This dimensional change enables closer rod packing while maintaining adequate space for the gripping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod support system incorporates movable components including the rod support that can position itself along the rod and the gripping mechanism that can open and close. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to closely packed rods while maintaining effective gripping space through controlled movement rather than requiring fixed horizontal clearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the carousel operates at an angle off vertical to enable angled drilling, then adaptability to different drilling angles improves, but rods sag more and risk escaping the gripping device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod support system actively counteracts the sagging effect caused by angled operation through its support mechanism. The rod support positions itself to provide upward support force that balances the gravitational sag, effectively creating a counteracting force that maintains rod alignment and prevents escape even during angled drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod support acts as an intermediary element between the rod and the rod holder. It provides an additional contact point and support mechanism that enhances rod stability during angled operations, mediating the forces between gravity, the angled carousel operation, and the final rod positioning to prevent rod escape.
3Ease of operation
If a vertical drill string operation is used to simplify rod connection, then ease of operation improves, but the system cannot accommodate angled drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The rod support system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both vertical and angled drilling operations. The combination of the rod support, rod holder, and adjustable gripping mechanism creates a universal system that maintains ease of operation while adapting to different drilling angles, eliminating the need for separate systems for vertical and angled operations.
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 system effectively supports and aligns rods at angles, reducing the risk of sagging and escape, allowing for more rods in a smaller carousel space while maintaining secure engagement, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
A rod support system features a gripper assembly with upper and lower jaw assemblies constrained by cam followers along non-circular arcuate tracks
Data Source
AI summary
A rod support system has an upper gripper assembly and a lower gripper assembly. Each gripper assembly has a top plate having a first track. The first track has a first substantially arcuate portion having a first radius of curvature and a second substantially arcuate portion having a second and smaller radius of curvature. A jaw is constrained to move in a path defined by the first track. A bottom plate of the assembly has a second track that is congruent with the first track also engaging the jaw, so that the jaw is constrained to move in a path defined by the first track and the second track in cooperation. The jaws can support a rod when the jaws move from a position along the first arcuate portion of the first and second tracks to a position along the second arcuate portion of the first and second tracks.