Drill Bit Rolling Element Mediator for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drill bits face challenges in efficiently and economically drilling straight, deviated, and horizontal wells, as they often require complex designs and high maintenance due to direct radial cam surface interactions which lead to wear and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a drill bit apparatus featuring a rotating segment with a first radial surface and a non-rotating segment, utilizing rolling elements with spherical outer surfaces to transfer axial movement, and a pilot bit with radial cam surfaces to deliver percussive forces, allowing for efficient drilling by reducing direct impact and wear through rolling element-mediated axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct radial cam surface interactions are used to transfer axial movement, then the structure is simpler, but wear increases and longevity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rolling elements are introduced as intermediary components between the first radial cam surface and the second radial cam surface. These rolling elements transfer axial movement while minimizing direct contact and wear between the cam surfaces, thereby extending the longevity of the drill bit apparatus without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If rolling elements are introduced to reduce wear, then longevity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling elements serve as mediators that reduce wear between cam surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The elements are positioned within the housing between the two radial cam surfaces, creating a low-complexity solution that significantly extends drill bit longevity by preventing direct wear contact.
3Loss of substance
If rolling elements are used to distribute drilling force, then wear is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rolling elements are positioned between the first and second radial cam surfaces to distribute drilling forces through rolling contact rather than sliding contact. This intermediary mechanism reduces wear on the cam surfaces while adding minimal manufacturing complexity, as the rolling elements can be standard components integrated into the existing housing and cam surface geometry.
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 solution enhances drilling efficiency and reduces wear on drill bits by distributing the drilling force through rolling elements, leading to increased longevity and cost-effectiveness in drilling various types of wells.
Implementation Method 1
one or more rolling elements disposed between and in contact with the first and second radial surfaces for transferring the non-rotating segment in an axial direction upon rotation of the rotating segment
Implementation Method 2
a pilot bit with radial cam surfaces to deliver percussive forces, allowing for efficient drilling by reducing direct impact and wear through rolling element-mediated axial movement
Data Source
AI summary
A boring apparatus includes an upper member and a bit body configured to rotate relative to a pilot bit. A first end of the upper member is connected to a workstring. An inner cavity of the upper member includes a first radial cam surface. A first end of the bit body is connected to a second end of the upper member such that the bit body rotates with the upper member. A second end of the bit body includes a working face. The pilot bit includes a first end disposed within the inner cavity of the upper member, and includes a second radial cam surface configured to cooperate with the first radial cam surface to deliver a hammering force. The pilot bit extends through a central bore of the bit body, and includes an engaging surface on its second end configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore.