Dovetail Quick-Release Coupling for Reliable Drilling Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling technologies face challenges in forming quick and reliable connections between drilling elements due to issues with threaded couplings, which are prone to damage and difficult to establish in harsh conditions, and alternative solutions like bayonet-style fittings are not effective in maximizing driving force or ease of release.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release coupler using a dovetail-shaped projection and recess design that allows for secure locking and easy release without the need for threads or additional fasteners, enabling efficient coupling and decoupling of drilling elements by rotating the components relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded coupling is used to connect drilling elements, then a secure connection can be formed, but the connection requires multiple rotations and is difficult to establish in harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is segmented into a male component with a dovetail projection and a female component with a corresponding recess. This segmentation allows the connection to be formed by simple axial insertion followed by minimal rotation, eliminating the need for multiple rotations required by threaded couplings while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional threaded engagement where the male thread rotates into the female thread, this invention inverts the approach by using a dovetail projection that slides into a recess and then rotates slightly to lock. This inversion of the coupling mechanism dramatically reduces the number of rotations needed while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If threaded coupling is used to connect drilling elements, then a secure connection can be formed, but the threads are easily damaged over time in rough conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail coupling interface segments the connection into a projection and recess geometry that distributes mechanical stresses across a larger surface area compared to threaded connections. This segmentation prevents stress concentration at thread roots, significantly reducing damage risk in rough drilling conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dovetail coupling design creates a connection system that is more resistant to damage, extending the service life of drilling elements. While not literally disposable, the design philosophy aligns with creating robust, replaceable components that can withstand harsh conditions without frequent repair or replacement.
3Loss of time
If bayonet-style fitting with radial pins is used, then quick connection can be achieved, but the pins are subject to damage and slots become clogged with debris
Solution Approach 1:
This invention extracts the vulnerable radial pins and slots from the coupling mechanism entirely. Instead of using pins that can be damaged and slots that can be clogged, the design uses a dovetail projection that fits into a recess, eliminating the problematic components while maintaining quick connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of debris and damage into a benefit by designing a coupling interface where the dovetail geometry naturally resists debris accumulation and where the projection-recess design is inherently more damage-resistant than pins and slots.
4Loss of time
If bayonet-style fitting is used, then connection can be formed quickly, but the driving engagement force is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail projection and recess use asymmetric geometry with tapered surfaces that provide mechanical advantage during engagement. The asymmetric shape allows for quick insertion while the taper angle maximizes the driving engagement force, solving the contradiction between speed and force.
Solution Approach 2:
The dovetail coupling incorporates curved and tapered surfaces that guide the engagement process, allowing quick insertion while maximizing contact area and force distribution. The curved geometry of the dovetail surfaces optimizes both the speed of coupling and the magnitude of driving force.
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 chuck, including for creating a “twist lock” connection.