Quick Interchange Joint for Drill Head and Pipe Puller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tricone drill bits are unsuitable for use as a pulling mechanism when pulling underground utilities directly into a pilot bore due to their retaining mechanisms being poorly designed to carry significant loads in a reverse direction, necessitating a method to rapidly disconnect and replace the drill bit with a suitable pulling mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a drill string, a connector with an uphole and downhole section, and a removable fastener, along with a drill head and a downhole tool, allows for the removal of a drill bit and its replacement with a pulling adapter, eliminating the need for excessive space in the exit pit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tricone drill bit with conventional retaining mechanisms is used, then the drill bit can effectively drill through rock, but the retaining mechanisms cannot carry significant loads in reverse direction making the drill bit unsuitable for pulling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string system is segmented into modular components: the drill bit, the connector with separate uphole and downhole sections, and the removable fastener. This segmentation allows the drill bit to be easily replaced with a pulling adapter after drilling, enabling the system to perform both drilling and pulling operations with specialized components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design with separate uphole and downhole sections joined by removable fasteners creates a universal interface that can accommodate different downhole tools including both drill bits and pulling adapters. This multi-functionality allows the same uphole equipment to perform both drilling and pulling operations by simply changing the downhole tool
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drill bit is removed and replaced with a pulling adapter, then the system can perform pulling operations, but the process requires significant space in the exit pit for equipment maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate uphole and downhole sections that can be assembled and disassembled in place. The removable fastener allows the downhole tool to be quickly changed without requiring complete disassembly of the drill string, reducing the space needed in the exit pit for tool replacement operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components are designed and prepared in advance with matching interfaces and fastening mechanisms. The uphole section and downhole sections are pre-configured to work together, allowing rapid tool replacement without requiring complex on-site assembly procedures that would need large work spaces
3Ease of operation
If conventional drill bit retaining mechanisms are used, then the cones are retained on the spindle during drilling, but the mechanisms are not properly designed to carry significant loads in reverse direction
Solution Approach 1:
The function of retaining the downhole tool and transmitting loads is extracted from the drill bit itself and placed into the separate connector assembly. The connector is specifically designed to handle both drilling loads and pulling loads, while the drill bit is used only for its primary drilling function. This separation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise
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 enables efficient removal and replacement of drill bits with pulling adapters, reducing labor and time costs while minimizing the required exit pit size, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of HDD operations.
Implementation Method 1
The removable fastener extends in a non-axial direction and joins the downhole and uphole sections in torque transmitting engagement
Implementation Method 2
The puller is characterized by a friction ridge extending from its exterior surface. The coupler is characterized by a friction ridge recess defined in its exterior surface such that the friction ridge of the puller is slidingly receivable in the friction ridge recess of the coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A system for connecting a drill bit and pipe puller to a drill string. The system includes a downhole tool having an internal cavity and a through-hole in its wall. A coupler may be slidingly received in the cavity and connected using one or more fasteners which interconnect a groove in the coupler to the wall of the downhole tool. Fasteners used may be screws or bolts interconnecting the wall of the tool with radial holes in the coupler. Alternatively, bolts may interconnect the wall with a circumferential groove on the coupler. A drill bit may be threaded into the coupler. The coupler allows drill bits and other tools to be connected and disconnected from a downhole tool without unthreading the drill bit.