Core Drilling Head Connection with Quick-Release Locking Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inner tube assembly in core drilling operations is cumbersome and difficult to handle due to its length, making it challenging for operators to unscrew the head assembly from the inner tube, which complicates the retrieval of core samples.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a locking mechanism that includes locking projections and paths, a resilient biasing member, and a locking collar to facilitate quick engagement and disengagement of the connection portions, allowing for secure connection and easy release, while preventing unintended disengagement during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the inner tube assembly is made long to retain core samples during drilling, then the core sample retention capability is improved, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and difficult for operators to handle and unscrew
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device divides the long inner tube assembly into manageable sections with a head assembly that can be independently connected and disconnected. The locking mechanism segments the operation into distinct phases: engagement, locking, and release, making the long assembly controllable throughout the drilling and retrieval process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic locking mechanism that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The movable locking collar and locking projections provide a dynamic system that adapts between locked and unlocked states, enabling easy handling of the long assembly without requiring manual unscrewing.
2Reliability
If a threaded connection is used to connect the head assembly to the inner tube, then the connection can be securely fastened, but the disengagement process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking projections are pre-positioned on the connection portions, and the locking collar is pre-configured to engage with these projections. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid locking and unlocking without the need for manual threading or unscrewing operations, significantly reducing disengagement time while maintaining secure connection during drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the time-consuming unscrewing operation from the connection/disconnection process. By removing the threaded engagement requirement and replacing it with a simple collar-based locking mechanism, the disengagement action is reduced to moving the locking collar, which can be done quickly without specialized tools or manual effort.
3Productivity
If a simple connection mechanism is used to facilitate quick disengagement, then the operation speed is improved, but the risk of accidental disengagement during drilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing member applies a preliminary locking force that actively prevents accidental disengagement during drilling operations. The biasing member continuously urges the locking collar into the locked position, creating a pre-applied counter-force against any forces that might cause unintended release, thus maintaining connection stability without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient biasing member provides self-service by automatically maintaining the locked state without requiring external intervention or monitoring. The spring-loaded mechanism self-adjusts to maintain optimal locking pressure throughout the drilling process, ensuring connection reliability while keeping the disengagement process simple and quick when intentionally initiated.
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
The connection device enables efficient and secure connection and disconnection of the head assembly and inner tube, reducing operator effort and preventing accidental disengagement, thus streamlining the core drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
the locking collar is resiliently biased towards the first position such that the locking collar resiliently urges the first and second connection portions away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device for a core drilling assembly connectible between a head assembly of a core drilling assembly and an inner tube of the core drilling assembly. The connection device has a first connection portion and a second connection portion, and has a connection mechanism arranged to facilitate engagement of the first and second connection portions with each other and disengagement of the first and second connection portions from each other.