Drilling Apparatus With Counter-Rotating Milling Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drilling systems face inefficiencies in cutting debris and plugs formed during the drilling process, as the drill bit and outer milling device typically rotate at the same speed and direction, leading to reduced effectiveness in removing obstructions.

Innovation Solution

The drill bit and outer milling device are configured to rotate at different speeds and directions, with the drill bit rotating counterclockwise and the outer milling device rotating clockwise, enhancing the cutting of debris and plugs by allowing them to 'chew up' obstructions at a faster rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the drill bit and outer milling device rotate at the same speed and direction, then the structure is simple and easy to control, but the cutting effectiveness of debris and plugs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting effectivenessVSAvoidrotation control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the rotation speeds and directions of the drill bit and outer milling device independent and adjustable. The drill bit can rotate at a first speed in a first direction while the outer milling device rotates at a second speed in a second direction, allowing dynamic optimization of cutting performance based on operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rotational parameters (speed and direction) of the milling devices to resolve the contradiction. By allowing different speeds and directions, the system achieves better cutting effectiveness while managing the complexity through controlled parameter variation rather than complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the drill bit and outer milling device rotate at the same speed, then the control system is simple, but debris and plugs are not removed effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the rotation speeds of the drill bit and outer milling device to different values, enabling optimized debris removal. The independence of speed control allows the system to adapt to varying drilling conditions and maintain high debris removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the drill bit and outer milling device rotate in the same direction, then the mechanical configuration is simple, but cutting performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting performanceVSAvoidrotation direction control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by allowing the drill bit and outer milling device to rotate in opposite directions. Specifically, the drill bit rotates in a first direction while the outer milling device rotates in a second direction, which can be opposite to each other. This inverted rotation configuration enhances cutting performance by creating more effective cutting actions on debris and plugs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9222309B2Drilling apparatus including milling devices configured to rotate at different speeds

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

In one aspect, an apparatus for forming a borehole is provided that in one embodiment may include a first milling device configured to rotate at a first rotational speed in a first direction, and a second milling device around the first milling device configured to rotate at a second rotational speed in a second direction, wherein the rotational first speed is greater than the second rotational speed. In another aspect, the first and the second milling devices may be configured to rotate in the same direction at different speeds.