Dovetail Quick-Release Coupling for Fast, Secure Drilling Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling technologies face challenges in quickly and reliably coupling drilling elements, such as drill steels and bits, due to issues with threaded connections that are prone to damage and difficult to establish in harsh conditions, and lack efficient mechanisms for transmitting driving force and easy release.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release coupler using a dovetail-shaped projection and recess system that allows for secure engagement and easy disengagement without threads or mechanical fasteners, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly, and maximizing driving force transmission.
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 of heavy drill steel and is difficult to establish in harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into a male portion with external dovetail projections and a female portion with internal dovetail recesses. This segmentation allows for quick engagement by simply aligning and pushing the components together, eliminating the need for multiple rotational movements required by threaded connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded screw mechanisms that require rotational tightening, the invention inverts the approach by using a push-to-engagement system where the dovetail geometry itself provides the locking mechanism through its tapered surfaces, reversing the traditional threading paradigm.
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 rendering drill steels useless
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail connection uses curved, tapered surfaces instead of sharp threaded edges. This curvature distributes contact forces over larger surface areas, reducing stress concentrations that would otherwise lead to thread damage and wear in harsh drilling conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface from threaded helices to dovetail angles and proportions. This parameter change creates a more robust connection that is less susceptible to damage from misalignment, debris, and repeated engagement cycles.
3Productivity
If radial pins are used for quick connection, then assembly can be rapid, but the pins are subject to damage in harsh conditions and slots can become clogged with debris
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vulnerable radial pin element from the connection mechanism and replaces it with an integrated dovetail geometry that is inherently more resistant to damage and debris interference, while maintaining rapid assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment and connection functions are merged into the single dovetail engagement action. The tapered surfaces simultaneously guide alignment and provide mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for separate pins and slots that are prone to clogging and damage.
4Reliability
If conventional connections are used, then coupling can be secure, but release cannot be achieved quickly without added mechanical fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail connection is designed to be dynamically reversible - the same tapered surfaces that provide secure locking during drilling can quickly release when the drilling operation is complete, allowing for rapid tool changes and steel extensions without additional fasteners.
Data Source
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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.