Underground Conduit Installation Drill with Automatic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for forming underground passageways and installing conduits require multiple passes underground, are cumbersome for disconnecting drill members, and often fail to accommodate fluids of varying viscosities due to suboptimal conduit opening sizes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus uses a drill member with a directional control and Duckbill blade to form a passageway of sufficient diameter to accommodate conduits and cables simultaneously, featuring a secure and automatic coupling system between the drill stem and drill member, allowing for simultaneous installation of conduits and cables during passageway formation, and adjustable conduit sections for variable fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to form underground passageway and install conduit, then the passageway can be formed and conduit can be installed, but multiple passes underground are required which increases time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the passageway formation operation and conduit installation operation into a single simultaneous process. The conduit is attached to the drill stem and is installed as the drill member forms the passageway, eliminating the need for separate reaming and conduit installation passes that conventional methods require.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is pre-attached to the drill stem before the drilling operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the conduit to be automatically installed into the freshly formed passageway as drilling progresses, rather than requiring a separate installation operation after the passageway is formed.
2Ease of operation
If conventional drill member disconnecting methods are used, then the drill member can be removed, but the process is cumbersome and requires extending the drill member to surface or excavating a pit
Solution Approach 1:
The drill stem is divided into modular sections that can be independently disconnected. The coupling mechanism allows individual drill stem sections to be separated from each other and from the drill member at the underground location, eliminating the need to extend the entire drill string to the surface or excavate a pit.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the drill stem sections and the drill member. This coupling device enables easy connection and disconnection at the underground location by providing a mechanical interface that can be operated remotely, simplifying the drill member removal process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conduit openings are used, then the conduit can be installed, but the openings may not accommodate fluids of different viscosities with optimum flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is designed with adjustable openings that can change size or configuration. This dynamic capability allows the conduit to adapt to fluids of different viscosities by modifying the opening dimensions, thereby optimizing flow rates for various fluid types rather than being fixed at a single opening size.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit opening parameters (size, shape, or configuration) can be changed to accommodate different fluid properties. By adjusting these parameters, the conduit can optimize flow characteristics for fluids ranging from low viscosity to high viscosity, making the system versatile for different application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for forming an underground passageway and simultaneously laying therein a conduit or other elongate components comprises a rotary drill member coupled to a rotary and axially movable drill stem. The coupling is one which virtually automatically enables the drill stem to be coupled to and uncoupled from the drill member and comprises interlocking driving lugs carried by the drill stem and the drill member. The driving lugs are sandwiched between telescoped portions of the drill member and the drill stem and thereby are reinforced by such portions of the drill stem and the drill member in such manner as to preclude movement of the driving lugs in both radially inward and radially outward directions.