Swinging Gripper Unit for Drill String Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for handling drill string components in rock drilling rigs are labor-intensive and risky, involving manual separation and alignment of tubular components, which can lead to thread damage and operator injuries, especially during frequent drill bit exchanges at great depths.

Innovation Solution

A gripper unit with swinging and rotation capabilities that aligns and securely engages drill string components, lifting plugs, and flush water swivels, incorporating torque control to prevent thread damage and automate screwing operations, allowing for controlled alignment and separation of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling and alignment of drill string components is performed by operators, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operator safety deteriorates due to risk of lift and crash injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device performs alignment and screwing operations autonomously without requiring operator intervention. The device self-adjusts component positions and executes tightening operations, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy drill string components and thereby preventing injuries while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations performed by operators are replaced by an automated mechanical system. The handling device uses motorized actuators, rotation mechanisms, and control systems to perform alignment and screwing operations that were previously done manually, thereby improving safety while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual screwing operations are performed without alignment assistance, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to risk of thread damages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling system simplicityVSAvoidthread alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device performs preliminary alignment of drill string components before the screwing operation begins. By pre-positioning components in correct alignment, the device ensures accurate thread engagement from the start, preventing thread damage without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during the screwing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device acts as an intermediary between the drill string components during assembly. It provides a controlled interface that guides components into proper alignment and applies controlled forces during screwing, thereby protecting threads from damage while maintaining relatively simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If frequent drill bit exchanges are performed manually, then productivity is maintained through quick operations, but reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of injuries and thread damages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill bit exchange speedVSAvoidoperation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device autonomously performs the complete sequence of operations for drill bit exchange including alignment, gripping, and screwing. This self-service capability allows rapid execution of exchanges without operator intervention, maintaining high productivity while eliminating safety risks associated with manual handling during frequent operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device enables continuous automated operations for drill string assembly and drill bit exchange. By eliminating the need to stop for manual realignment and screwing, the system maintains continuous productive action while ensuring consistent, damage-free operations through controlled mechanical processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2659086B1Device and method for handling drill string components, as well as rock drilling rig

Publication Date: 2019.08.21 EPIROC AB

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A handling device for handling drill string components (8, 8 ',8") in a rock drilling rig (1), wherein the handling device includes a gripper unit (11) for gripping drill string components (8, 8 ',8") to be put into and be brought out from the rock drilling rig, and wherein the gripper unit (11) includes grippers (12,13,14) operational for gripping components positioned in a gripping position, which defines a grip position axis (G). The gripper unit (11) is supported swingable between: a) a first position, wherein the gripper unit is positioned for engagement with an end portion of a first drill string component (8') and an end portion of a second drill string component (8") in and aligned with said active drill string position (A), and b) a second position, wherein a gripper unit (11) is positioned for engagement with an end portion of a drill string component in a delivering position for drill string components that are to be brought into respectively taken away from said active drill string position (A). The invention also concerns a rock drilling rig and a method.