Dovetail Quick-Release Coupling for Drill Steel Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling technologies face challenges in quickly and reliably coupling drilling elements or steels due to limitations with threaded connections, which are prone to damage and difficult to establish in dirty or dark conditions.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release coupler using a dovetail shape for the projection and recess of the adapter parts, allowing for secure engagement and rapid release without the need for threads or additional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used to couple drilling elements, then a secure connection can be formed, but the connection requires multiple rotations and is difficult to establish quickly in dirty or dark conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into distinct male and female components with complementary geometric shapes (protrusions and recesses), allowing for quick identification and engagement without requiring rotational alignment or threading operations
Solution Approach 2:
A quick-release coupler acts as an intermediary component between drilling elements, providing a simplified connection interface that eliminates the need for direct threaded engagement between the drilling elements themselves
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used to couple drilling elements, then a secure connection can be formed, but the threads may easily be damaged over time in rough conditions, rendering the drill steels or adapters useless
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into distinct male and female components with complementary geometric shapes (protrusions and recesses), allowing for quick identification and engagement without requiring rotational alignment or threading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release coupler is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged, eliminating the need to discard entire drill steels or adapters due to connection interface damage
3Loss of time
If radial pins are used for quick connection, then coupling can be achieved quickly, but the pins are subject to damage in harsh conditions and slots can become clogged with debris
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into distinct male and female components with complementary geometric shapes (protrusions and recesses), allowing for quick identification and engagement without requiring rotational alignment or threading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface uses asymmetric geometric shapes that provide inherent alignment and prevent misengagement, while the design avoids narrow slots that could be clogged by debris
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus in the form of an adapter for forming a connection comprising a first part adapted for coupling with a second part by a quick-release coupling formed by a first projection of the first part having an at least partial dovetail shape and a recess of the second part having an at least partial dovetail shape. An opening in the recess is adapted for receiving the projection in an axial direction. In other embodiments, the adapter is: (1) frictionally enhanced for engaging an internal portion of the drilling element; (2) includes a radial projection elongated in an axial direction for engaging the internal portion of the one drilling element; and/or (3) has a cutter for scoring an internal portion of the one drilling element upon being inserted therein and rotated. An adapter is also disclosed for use with a drill check, including for creating a “twist lock” connection.