Boring Assembly with Dual Nozzle Jets for Inclined Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling systems, particularly in civil engineering structures, face challenges with inclined drilling and handling complexity, leading to inaccuracies and potential damage to nearby equipment due to the need for alternating drilling heads.

Innovation Solution

A drilling assembly with a single drilling head featuring multiple nozzles for water jets and abrasive jets, along with a system of drives for precise trajectory control and a suction mechanism for rubble removal, allowing for efficient drilling without the need for multiple heads and enabling inclined drilling without equipment damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drilling heads are used for different drilling tasks, then drilling functionality is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling functionalityVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple drilling heads with different functions (core drilling head, inclined drilling head, and cutting head) into a single integrated drilling assembly. This merging eliminates the need to alternate between multiple separate drilling heads, simplifying handling operations while maintaining versatile drilling capabilities for both vertical and inclined holes in nuclear power plant dismantling applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling assembly is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple drilling functions through a single integrated structure. The assembly includes interchangeable drilling heads that can be mounted on the same drive mechanism, allowing it to handle core drilling, inclined drilling, and cutting operations without requiring separate specialized equipment for each task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drilling heads are alternately introduced for different drilling tasks, then drilling versatility is improved, but loss of time and drilling inaccuracies increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling versatilityVSAvoiddrilling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling assembly pre-configures multiple drilling heads with different functions in a ready-to-use arrangement. The inclined drilling head and core drilling head are positioned such that the inclined head can be quickly retracted and the core drilling head deployed without requiring complete disassembly or time-consuming setup changes, enabling rapid transition between drilling modes during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If inclined drilling is performed with traditional drill bits, then drilling capability is improved, but harmful effects on nearby equipment increase due to protruding bit portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinclined drilling capabilityVSAvoidequipment damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined drilling function is separated from the main drill bit structure and implemented as a dedicated inclined drilling head with its own controlled cutting mechanism. This segmentation allows the inclined drilling operation to be performed with a contained, controlled tool that does not have protruding portions extending beyond the structure, eliminating the risk of damage to nearby equipment while maintaining inclined drilling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Simplifies handling and reduces inaccuracies by allowing continuous drilling with precise control over nozzle trajectories, effectively managing rubble and minimizing equipment damage, while optimizing abrasive use and reducing reaction forces.

Implementation Method 1

The or each first nozzle (20) is configured to provide a water jet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet erosion: Jet Erosion

Implementation Method 2

The or each second nozzle (22) is configured to provide an abrasive jet making it possible to destroy a metallic element (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

The suction inlet (44) makes it possible to remove rubble and fluids resulting from the drilling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3735507B1Boring assembly and associated boring method
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 FRAMATOME SA
  • EP3735507B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3735507B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3735507B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

This boring assembly (10) extends along a main axis (A – A') and comprises: • - a boring head (18) comprising: • + at least one first nozzle (20); • + at least one second nozzle (22), the or each second nozzle being different from the or each first nozzle; • - a first delivery device (26) configured to deliver a jet of abrasive-free water at a pressure comprised between 2000 bar and 4000 bar to the at least one first nozzle; • - a second delivery device (28) configured to deliver a jet containing at least one abrasive material at a pressure comprised between 2000 bar and 6000 bar to the at least one second nozzle.