Rotary Drill Bit Structure for Pullback Attachment Without Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drilling operations are time-consuming and require additional tooling due to the need to remove the rotary drill bit from the drill string to attach a pullback device for installing products like cables or pipes.
Innovation Solution
A pullback device is designed to attach to the rotary drill bit without disassembling it from the drill string, utilizing a coupler and engagement features to secure the device, allowing for the installation of products without removing the drill bit, and includes a frame member, collar, and arms to facilitate attachment and pullback operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotary drill bit is removed from the drill string to attach a pullback device, then the product installation can be completed, but the operation time increases and additional tooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit is designed with engagement features (such as keys, recesses, or protrusions) pre-positioned on its surface before drilling operations begin. These features are prepared in advance to receive the pullback device after drilling is complete, eliminating the need for time-consuming modifications or drill bit removal during the pullback phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs drilling operations during installation and simultaneously serves as an attachment point for the pullback device. The engagement features on the drill bit enable it to function both as a cutting tool and as a structural component for securing the pullback device, eliminating the need for separate tooling.
2Ease of operation
If the rotary drill bit is removed from the drill string to attach a pullback device, then the product installation can be completed, but additional tooling and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs drilling operations during installation and simultaneously serves as an attachment point for the pullback device. The engagement features on the drill bit enable it to function both as a cutting tool and as a structural component for securing the pullback device, eliminating the need for separate tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of the drill bit and the attachment mechanism are merged into a single integrated design. The engagement features are incorporated directly into the drill bit structure, combining the drilling function and the pullback attachment function into one component, thereby reducing the number of separate tools and equipment needed.
3Productivity
If engagement features are positioned radially inward of the outer cutting diameter, then the pullback device can be attached without removing the drill bit, but the engagement features must be precisely positioned within the cutting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features are positioned in specific locations on the drill bit surface that are optimized for their function. By placing them radially inward of the outer cutting diameter within the cutting portion, the design ensures they do not interfere with the cutting edges while providing adequate surface area and structural support for secure attachment of the pullback device.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features are pre-positioned and pre-configured on the drill bit during manufacturing, before the drill bit is used in the field. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the pullback device needs to be attached, the engagement features are already in the correct location and orientation, eliminating the need for precise field adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary drill bit for use with a horizontal directional drill string. A coupler at a proximal axial end is configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a drill head at a distal end of the drill string. A cutting portion at a distal axial end is provided with a plurality of vanes with respective cutters that operate to cut a hole in earth when the rotary drill bit is rotated about a central axis. The plurality of vanes project radially outwardly from a surface of the cutting portion such that the surface forms respective troughs circumferentially interspersed with the plurality of vanes. A plurality of engagement features is positioned axially within the cutting portion and radially inward of an outer cutting diameter to facilitate attachment of a product pullback device between the plurality of vanes without removing the rotary drill bit, or any portion thereof, from the drill head.