Shaft Sinking Device with Dynamic Bracing and Dual Feed Strokes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaft sinking technologies require lengthy setup times between drilling cycles due to the need for precise alignment and bracing of multiple platforms, which hampers efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that allow for at least two feed strokes of the drilling unit to be performed between lowering strokes of the carrier unit, which is only suspended and not braced axially, reducing setup times between drilling cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple platforms are braced and aligned precisely after each release and clamping process, then the stability and positioning accuracy of the drilling unit is improved, but the setup time between drilling cycles increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier unit is pre-braced in the radial direction before the drilling unit is lowered, so that when the drilling unit is released and lowered, the radial bracing is already in place. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment and bracing operations after each lowering cycle, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between bracing the carrier unit radially and bracing the drilling unit axially/radially at different phases of the sinking cycle. The carrier unit is braced radially during lowering, while the drilling unit is braced axially/radially during drilling operations. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes the setup time by having the appropriate bracing already in place when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the carrier unit is braced axially during lowering, then the stability of the carrier unit is improved, but the flexibility and speed of the lowering operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier unit stabilityVSAvoidlowering speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracing configuration is dynamically changed based on the operational phase: the carrier unit is braced radially (not axially) during lowering operations to maintain flexibility and speed, while the drilling unit is braced axially during drilling operations to provide stability. This dynamic switching allows each component to be braced in the optimal direction for its specific operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The axial bracing function is extracted from the carrier unit during lowering operations and transferred to the drilling unit. By removing the axial bracing constraint from the carrier unit during lowering, the carrier unit gains the flexibility and speed needed for rapid positioning, while the drilling unit provides the necessary axial stability when engaged in drilling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This approach significantly shortens the setup times between successive drilling cycles, enhancing the overall efficiency of the shaft sinking process.

Implementation Method 1

The support unit and the drilling unit are connected to one another via a number of support cylinders working in the sinking direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic cylinder extension and retraction: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The drilling unit has a number of displacement cylinders working in the sinking direction and a drill head which is connected to the displacement cylinders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic cylinder extension and retraction: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

The drilling unit has a number of bracing modules for radial and axial bracing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical bracing force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

a carrier unit arranged at the rear in the sinking direction and a drilling unit arranged at the front in the sinking direction... which is only suspended and, in particular, not braced in the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3014070B1Device for sinking a shaft and method for sinking a shaft
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 HERRENKNECHT AG
  • EP3014070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3014070B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3014070B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and to a method for sinking a shaft (1). During a sinking cycle, a support unit (2) is moved once and a boring unit (3) is moved at least twice by means of support cylinders (11) and displacement cylinders (13). Due to said configuration, an efficient sinking operation is obtained.