Automated Tube Insertion Apparatus for Drill Hole Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inserting protective tubular elements into drill holes are slow and require manual operator participation, hindering the efficiency of the drilling process and the protection of drilled holes from collapsing and debris.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for feeding tubular objects into drill holes, featuring a support device for elongated tube element blanks, a feeding device for longitudinal insertion, and a separation device to detach individual tube inserts, allowing for automated and quick protection of drill holes without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual mounting of tube elements is used, then the drill hole opening is protected, but the process is slow and requires physical operator participation
Solution Approach 1:
The tube element blank is divided into multiple individual tube inserts that can be automatically separated and inserted into drill holes. The separation device cuts or detaches individual tube inserts from the continuous blank, enabling automated high-speed insertion without manual handling of each tube element
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables self-service automation where the feeding device automatically positions and inserts tube inserts into drill holes without requiring physical operator participation. The system serves itself by automatically feeding, separating, and inserting tube elements, eliminating the need for manual mounting operations
2Reliability
If there is a delay in protecting drill holes, then the drilling process continues uninterrupted, but the drill hole opening is vulnerable to collapsing and debris entry
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary action by having tube inserts ready and immediately inserting them into drill holes as they are completed. The feeding device maintains a continuous supply of tube inserts from the blank, ensuring that protection is applied immediately without delay, preventing collapsing and debris entry from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus ensures continuous protection by maintaining an uninterrupted supply of tube inserts from the elongated blank. The feeding device continuously feeds tube inserts to drill holes as they are drilled, eliminating gaps in protection and ensuring reliable coverage without intermittent delays
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for feeding a tubular object inside a drill hole, a rock drilling rig and a method of supporting mouth openings of drill holes is provided. The apparatus includes a support device for supporting an elongated tube element blank having the potential for several successive tube inserts. A front end of the tube element blank is moved longitudinally inside a drill hole by means of a feeding device. Thereby, the drill hole is provided with a protective section extending a limited longitudinal dimension towards a bottom of the drill hole. The apparatus further includes a separation device for detaching the mentioned tube inserts one by one from the tube element blank.