Drill Bit Shank Load Sensor for Direct Force Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drill bits with weight and torque sensors typically measure indirect forces, which can lead to inaccurate data and inefficient drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

The integration of direct force sensors, including load sensors attached to the shank of the drill bit, allowing for precise measurements of weight, torque, and pressure, enabling more accurate data collection and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If indirect force sensors are used in the drill bit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sensing elements as intermediaries that directly contact and measure the forces applied to the drill bit. These sensing elements act as mediators between the applied forces and the measurement system, providing direct and accurate force measurements rather than indirect inferences, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces indirect mechanical measurement systems with direct force sensing elements that convert mechanical forces into measurable signals. This substitution eliminates the need for complex indirect measurement mechanisms while achieving superior measurement precision through direct force detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If direct force sensors are integrated into the drill bit, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing elements are designed to perform multiple functions: they directly measure forces, provide structural support, and integrate seamlessly with the drill bit assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensor components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the sensing elements with the drill bit structure itself, combining the measurement function with the existing drill bit components. This integration approach avoids adding separate complex sensor systems while achieving direct force measurement, thus improving precision without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides real-time, accurate measurements of weight and torque, enhancing drilling efficiency and operational control by directly sensing the forces applied to the drill bit, thereby improving drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

a load sensor attached to the shank of the drill bit. The load sensor provides a signal in response to a force applied directly thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDirect force sensing: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2964881B1Drill bit with a load sensor on the bit shank
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 BAKER HUGHES CO
  • EP2964881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2964881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2964881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bit body having a cutting section, a shank attached to the cutting section and a neck section and at least one sensor in contact with a surface of the shank and wherein the at least one sensor provides a signal in response to a bending moment.