Drill Bit Integrated Pullback Cable Routing

Solution Overview

Problem

In Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) applications, the process of pulling back products through a pilot hole is time-consuming and requires additional tooling, as the drill bit often needs to be removed and replaced with a pullback device, which complicates the process.

Innovation Solution

A drilling tool with integrated pulling cable passages within the drill bit allows for the secure attachment and retention of a pulling cable without the need for additional tooling or collar attachments, enabling quick and efficient pullback operations by routing the cable through curved and angled passages within the drill bit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the drill bit is removed and replaced with a pullback device, then the product can be pulled back through the pilot hole, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional tooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepullback process efficiencyVSAvoidtime for drill bit removal and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drill bit and pullback device into a single integrated tool. The drill bit includes an integrated pullback device with a cable routing system that allows the pulling cable to be threaded through the drill bit body during drilling operations, eliminating the need for separate tool replacement and enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drill bit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drill the pilot hole and simultaneously serve as a conduit for the pullback cable. The universal design allows the same tool to facilitate both drilling and pullback operations without requiring additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the drill bit is removed and replaced with a pullback device, then the product can be pulled back through the pilot hole, but additional tooling is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepullback process efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drill bit and pullback device into a single integrated tool. The drill bit includes an integrated pullback device with a cable routing system that allows the pulling cable to be threaded through the drill bit body during drilling operations, eliminating the need for separate tool replacement and enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drill bit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drill the pilot hole and simultaneously serve as a conduit for the pullback cable. The universal design allows the same tool to facilitate both drilling and pullback operations without requiring additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the pulling cable is routed through straight passages, then the cable routing is simple, but friction and stress risers increase causing cable failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable passage fabricationVSAvoidcable retention security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved cable passages instead of straight ones. The cable routing path includes curved sections that guide the cable smoothly through the drill bit, reducing sharp angles and stress concentration points. This curved geometry minimizes friction and prevents cable failure while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10208541B2Pullback system for drilling tool

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 VERMEER MFG CO

AI summary

A pullback system for a drilling tool includes features to retain a pulling cable. The drilling tool includes a drill bit body for carrying a plurality of cutting teeth. The drill bit body has a first side and an opposite second side. The drill bit body also defines a first pullback device passage that extends through the drill bit body from the first side to the second side. The first pullback device passage extends generally along a passage axis that extends through the drill bit body. The first pullback device passage includes at least a portion adjacent to the first side that curves as the surface extends in a direction along the passage axis. The passage axis is positioned along a reference plane that generally bisects the drill bit body.