Coring Device Flap Valve and Core Catcher for Hard Rock Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coring devices struggle with efficiently drilling and retrieving rock cores, especially hard rock samples, due to inadequate sealing and clamping mechanisms, which leads to contamination and reduced integrity of the core samples.
Innovation Solution
A coring device comprising a core drilling tool with a two-stage drill bit, a core catcher with mechanical claws, and a flap valve mechanism that ensures high sealing performance and efficient core retrieval, utilizing a spiral groove on the outer core tube for containment and a trigger mechanism for enhanced sealing, allowing for stable and efficient core drilling and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional coring device is used, then the drilling process can be completed, but the core sample integrity is compromised due to inadequate sealing and clamping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coring device is divided into multiple functional segments: the core barrel is separated from the drill string, the core catcher is a distinct component with independent claws, and the sealing mechanism is a separate flap valve assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability for core sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap valve is pre-positioned at the bottom of the core barrel and the core catcher claws are pre-configured in an open state before drilling begins. The sealing surface and valve seat are pre-aligned to ensure immediate sealing upon core retrieval, preventing contamination before it can occur.
2Ease of operation
If the core barrel is lifted high for retrieval, then the core can be transferred to the fidelity cabin, but the sealing flap may not return to sealing position, causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism provides mechanical feedback that automatically actuates the flap valve closing action when the core barrel is lifted. The trigger block moves with the core barrel elevation and directly activates the sealing mechanism, ensuring the flap returns to the sealed position in response to the retrieval operation itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism serves as an intermediary between the core barrel lifting operation and the flap valve sealing action. Instead of directly connecting the lifting motion to the valve, the trigger block and trigger inner barrel translate the vertical displacement into the rotational or linear motion needed to close and seal the flap valve.
3Productivity
If a single-stage drill bit is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the drilling efficiency and ability to handle hard rock is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit is segmented into two distinct stages: a first stage cutting element for initial rock penetration and a second stage reaming element for enlarging and smoothing the hole. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific drilling task, improving overall drilling efficiency and hard rock capability while keeping the structural complexity manageable through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A coring device has core drilling tool, a core catcher, a rock core barrel, a drilling machine outer cylinder, a flap valve and an inner rod for pulling the rock core barrel. The core catcher is provided inside the lower end of the rock core barrel. The core drilling tool includes an outer core tube and a hollow drill bit. The upper end of the outer core tube is connected to the lower end of the drilling machine outer cylinder. The lower end of the outer core tube is connected to the drill bit. The lower end of the inner rod protrudes into the rock core barrel and is movable axially by a certain distance relative to the rock core barrel. The flap valve includes a valve seat and a sealing flap. The valve seat is coaxially mounted on the inner wall of the drilling machine outer cylinder.