Rotatable Drilling Tool Support for Collaring Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling tool supports in rock drilling applications are inefficient during the collaring phase, leading to reduced accuracy and potential tool damage due to their distance from the drill bit and interference with dust removal systems.
Innovation Solution
A support element located at the front end of a feed beam within a suction housing, which can be rotated between a support position close to the drill bit and an idle position, minimizing interference with suction flow and allowing precise tool support during collaring while maintaining efficient dust removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the support is positioned close to the drill bit to improve support accuracy during collaring, then drilling accuracy and tool protection improve, but the support interferes with the suction housing and dust removal system
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is made rotatable between a support position (close to drill bit) and an idle position (retracted from suction housing), allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling close support positioning during collaring while preventing interference with dust removal during normal drilling
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into a movable support element and a stationary suction housing, allowing independent positioning of each component. The support element can be rotated into the idle position within the suction housing without blocking the suction flow path, separating the support function from the dust removal function spatially
2Productivity
If the support is positioned far from the drill bit to avoid interfering with dust removal, then suction flow efficiency is maintained, but support accuracy and tool protection decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support element enables the system to switch between two operational modes: during collaring, the support rotates to the support position for maximum tool protection; during normal drilling, it rotates to the idle position to maintain unobstructed suction flow. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between dust removal efficiency and tool protection
3Device complexity
If a fixed support structure is used, then the structure is simple and robust, but it cannot adapt to different drilling phases (collaring vs. normal drilling)
Solution Approach 1:
The support element incorporates a rotation mechanism with actuator that allows it to switch between support position and idle position. This adds minimal complexity while providing high adaptability to different drilling phases, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The support element serves multiple functions: it provides tool support during collaring, maintains suction flow during normal drilling, and can be positioned to avoid interfering with the dust removal system. This multi-functionality justifies the added rotational capability while resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability
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 support element improves drilling accuracy, reduces tool damage, and maintains suction flow efficiency by being positioned close to the drill bit only when needed, enhancing the overall drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction housing (15), which is part of a dust removal system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a support and a method of collaring. The support (S) comprises a support element (SE) for supporting a drilling tool (9). The support element is inside a suction housing (15) of a rock drilling unit at least during drilling.