Drill Bit Flushing Flow Redirection for Ground Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drill bits face issues with flushing air distribution, leading to weak mid-area structures and excessive soil loosening when drilling soft ground, as the flushing flow is directed centrally and laterally, causing inefficiencies in material removal and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

The drill bit design redirects the flushing flow sideways and partly diagonally from a distance closer to the centerline than the flushing duct radius, allowing it to exit through grooves that lead to the edge, reducing pressure and minimizing soil loosening, while maintaining structural strength by incorporating a planar directing part for drilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the flushing flow is directed towards the centre of the drill bit and turned sideways along grooves to the edge, then soft ground removal is improved, but the mid-area structure becomes weak and excessive soil loosening occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoft ground removal efficiencyVSAvoidmid-area structure strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing flow is segmented into two separate flows: one directed sideways along grooves for soft ground removal, and another directed forward through the mid-hole for structural support and central material removal. This segmentation allows each flow to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the drill bit are given different flushing characteristics: the edges receive sideways-directed flushing for soft ground, while the mid-area receives forward-directed flushing for structural integrity. This local differentiation optimizes performance for each specific region's requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the flushing flow is directed mainly to the side, then structural strength is improved, but material removal efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill bit structure strengthVSAvoidmaterial removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing system is divided into two functional streams: sideways flow for structural support and soft ground handling, and forward flow through the mid-hole for efficient material removal from the drilling surface, achieving both strength and productivity goals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual flushing system performs multiple functions: sideways flushing provides structural support and removes soft ground, while forward flushing through the mid-hole removes drilled material. Each flow serves multiple purposes that collectively enhance both strength and material removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the flushing duct is arranged close to the front surface, then sideways flow is achieved, but the mid-area receives insufficient flushing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesideways flow capabilityVSAvoidflushing air quantity to mid-area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing air supply is segmented into two separate ducts: one positioned close to the front surface for sideways flow generation, and another providing forward flow to the mid-area. This ensures both sideways flow capability and adequate mid-area flushing are achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mid-hole acts as an intermediary channel that receives flushing air from a dedicated duct and directs it forward to the drilling surface, ensuring the mid-area receives sufficient flushing air quantity while the sideways duct maintains its flow capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enhances the drill bit's structural strength and improves material removal efficiency by directing flushing air sideways, preventing excessive soil loosening and ensuring that all drilled material is carried away, with reduced pressure and minimal material left in the mid-area.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure drops strongly and no excessive flushing is directed onto the drilling surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Air flow bursts out mainly in a sideways direction and the flow is spread considerably widely and evenly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3097248B1Drill bit
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 MINCON NORDIC OY
  • EP3097248B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

Hammering and rotatable drill bit (1), which is meant for ground and rock drilling, said drilling device comprising a hollow shaft (2), said shaft having a hole (3) which is adjusted to direct flushing air onto the drilling surface to the front of the drill bit (1) and further from there towards the outer edge of the drill bit (1) wherein the drill bit (1) comprises a drilling part (5) which protrudes from the surface of the drill bit, functions as a drill point and drills the mid-area of the hole to be created wherein the mentioned part (5) is adjusted to prevent the flushing flow from flowing directly through the mentioned hole (3) located inside the shaft (2) onto the drilling surface. The mentioned part (5) is arranged to allow the outlet of the flushing flow in a sideways direction to the grooves (6) belonging to the drilling surface which grooves lead to the edge of the drill bit (1) and is arranged to allow the outlet also partly to the front of the drill bit to the drilling surface by adjusting the groove (6), which leads to the edge of the drill bit (1), to start from the mentioned part (5) from such a distance (d) from the centre line (L) of the drill bit (1) which distance (d) is less than the radius (R) of the hole.