Rotary Drill Bit Pullback Attachment Without Bit Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drilling operations require time-consuming processes to remove the rotary drill bit from the drill string for attaching a pullback device, necessitating additional tooling and prolonging the installation of products like cables or conduits.
Innovation Solution
A pullback device is designed to be removably secured to the rotary drill bit without disassembling it from the drill string, utilizing a frame member, collar, and arms that engage with the drill bit's base and vanes to facilitate product attachment and transfer pullback forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotary drill bit is removed from the drill string to attach a pullback device, then the pullback device can be properly attached, but the operation time increases and additional tooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit is designed with engagement features (such as recesses, protrusions, or threaded interfaces) pre-formed on its surface before the drilling operation completes. These features are prepared in advance to receive the pullback device, eliminating the need for removal or additional tooling during the pullback attachment process
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs the primary drilling function during installation, and simultaneously provides attachment capability for the pullback device. The engagement features on the drill bit enable it to function both as a cutting tool and as a mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate tooling operations
2Reliability
If the rotary drill bit is removed from the drill string to attach a pullback device, then the pullback device can be properly attached, but the device complexity increases due to additional tooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment capability is extracted directly from the drill bit itself through the inclusion of engagement features. Instead of requiring separate tooling or removal procedures, the drill bit inherently contains the necessary interfaces for pullback device attachment, simplifying the overall system by eliminating external tooling requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling function and pullback attachment function are merged into a single integrated component (the drill bit). The engagement features on the drill bit combine the cutting tool's structural role with the mounting function, reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate tooling systems
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.