Drill Bit With Movable Gauge Region for Curved Path Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drill bits face instability and energy wastage when drilling curved holes due to the gauge region impacting the hole wall, and are less effective when used for both straight and curved holes, requiring multiple drill bits for different hole types.
Innovation Solution
A drill bit with a movable gauge region that can change between a cylindrical and tapered profile using actuators, allowing the bit to adapt to different drilling paths by adjusting its conical sectional surface, preventing unnecessary contact with the hole wall while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drill bit with a curved profile gauge region is used for drilling bent holes, then the gauge region can follow the curved path, but a portion of the gauge region does not contact the hole wall and therefore cannot stabilise the bit
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge region is designed with movable members that can dynamically change their position between a first position (for stabilisation) and a second position (for curved path following). This dynamic adjustment allows the gauge region to adapt its profile from constant cross-section to conical sectional surface, resolving the contradiction between stabilisation and curved path adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit is designed with a universal gauge region that can perform multiple functions: stabilising the bit in straight holes and following curved paths in bent holes. By incorporating movable members that can switch between two positions, the gauge region becomes multi-functional, eliminating the need for separate drill bits for different hole types.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a drill bit with a constant cross section gauge region is used for drilling straight holes, then the gauge region stabilises the bit effectively, but it causes energy wastage and wear when forced against the wall during curved path drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The movable members in the gauge region can dynamically adjust their position to prevent unnecessary contact with the hole wall during curved path drilling. By moving from the first position to the second position, the gauge region reduces friction and energy wastage while maintaining effective stabilisation during straight hole drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge region changes its geometric parameters by moving the members between positions. During straight hole drilling, the gauge region maintains a constant cross-section for stabilisation. During curved path drilling, the members move to create a conical sectional surface that reduces contact and energy wastage.
3Device complexity
If a drill bit with a constant cross section gauge region is used for drilling bent holes, then the structure is simple, but it causes significant wear on the gauge region and drill hole wall due to impacting
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge region incorporates movable members that can dynamically adjust to prevent impacting during curved path drilling. This dynamic capability reduces wear on both the gauge region and drill hole wall, while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of straightforward mechanical movement mechanisms.
4Reliability
If multiple drill bits are used for different hole types (straight and bent), then each bit is optimised for its specific purpose, but it requires time-consuming bit swapping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit is designed as a universal tool that can handle both straight and bent hole drilling through its movable gauge region. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized bits and the time-consuming swapping operations, while maintaining reliable drilling performance for both hole types through dynamic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable members in the gauge region allow the drill bit to dynamically adapt to different drilling conditions without requiring physical replacement. This dynamic capability enables continuous drilling operations for both straight and bent holes, eliminating downtime associated with bit swapping.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention recites a drill bit comprising a main body having an axis about which it is rotated in use, a cutting face, a connecting means for attaching the bit to a source of rotary motion, a gauge region intermediate said cutting face and the connecting means. Additionally the gauge region comprises at least one member movable between a first position in which the gauge region is bounded by an imaginary tubular surface of constant cross-section co-axial to the axis of rotation and a second position in which a portion of the member is located radially inwards, with respect to the axis of rotation, of its position when said member is in said first position. In accordance with the present invention, the gauge region whilst said member is in said second position being bound by an imaginary three dimensional conical sectional surface; and at least one actuator.