Underground Drill Multi-Axis Control and Pipe Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual loading of drill pipes into horizontal directional drills is complex and time-consuming, with separate controls for anchor and drill operations that often require different handling methods and locations.
Innovation Solution
An underground directional drill system featuring a multi-axis input device, electronic controller, mode selector, drill carriage assembly, anchor assembly, and pipe loading frame that allows for simultaneous control of anchor and drill operations and automated pipe loading, enabling continuous contact between the pipe and the loading frame during movement from manual loading to drill string position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate controls are provided for anchor and drill operations, then each control can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases and operational convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate anchor controls and drill controls into a single integrated control station. The control system receives input from a single operator interface and can selectively actuate either the anchor assembly or drill carriage assembly based on operational mode, reducing the number of separate control locations and simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining functional optimization through mode-selective operation
2Device complexity
If manual pipe loading is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe loading frame is designed to automatically perform pipe loading operations without requiring manual intervention for each pipe. The system uses the drill's own mechanical systems to load pipes into position, eliminating the need for separate manual loading equipment and operators, thereby increasing productivity while keeping the added complexity minimal
3Productivity
If automated pipe loading is implemented, then productivity increases and time consumption decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe loading frame is designed to perform multiple functions using existing drill components. It can load pipes automatically while also being positionable for manual loading operations, and integrates with the existing drill carriage and anchor systems. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve automated loading productivity without requiring entirely separate dedicated loading equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An underground drill comprising a frame, a drill carriage, an anchor assembly, a multi-axis input device, an electronic controller, and a mode selector. The drill carriage and the anchor assembly are operably connected to the frame. The electronic controller is configured to receive input from the multi-axis input device and produce a corresponding output signal. The mode selector has an anchor mode, wherein the output signal actuates the anchor assembly, and a drill mode, wherein the output signal actuates the drill carriage.