Integrated Drill Shank Injection for Continuous Subsurface Grouting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling and injection devices require separate components for drilling and injecting materials into substrates, which can be inconvenient and inefficient in sub-surface operations like tunnelling.

Innovation Solution

An integrated drilling and injection device featuring a longitudinal shank with an internal passage, a drill bit at one end, at least one outlet for fluid communication, and a valve to control material passage, allowing for both drilling and injection without removing the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate drilling and injection devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall process requires multiple components and device changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drilling function (drill bit) and injection function (outlet with valve) into a single integrated device. The shank contains both the drill bit at its end and an internal passage with outlet and valve, allowing both operations to be performed by one device without requiring separate components or device changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shank serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural body, contains the drill bit for drilling, provides an internal passage for fluid transport, and includes outlets with valves for controlled injection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate drilling and injection devices.

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

2Productivity

If separate drilling and injection devices are used, then each device can be independently optimized, but the process requires device removal and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device allows continuous operation from drilling to injection without interruption. The drill bit drills the hole and creates the channel, then the same device immediately begins injecting material through its outlets along the same channel, eliminating the time loss associated with removing one device and installing another.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hollow pipe with holes is used for injection, then material can be placed strategically, but the device cannot drill its own channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the drill bit and the injection system into a single integrated unit. The drill bit is attached to the end of the shank, and the internal passage runs through the shank, allowing the device to both create its own installation channel and perform injection through the same structural body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4370781B1Integrated drilling injection and extraction device and method
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 HYPERTUNNEL IP LTD
  • EP4370781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4370781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4370781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an integrated drilling and injection device, comprising: a longitudinal shank (7) having an internal passage extending from an open first end of the shank (7) along an axis of the shank (7) toward a second end of the shank; a drill bit (3) located at a second end of the shank (7) opposite the first end; and at least one outlet (9) in fluid communication between the internal passage and an exterior surface of the shank (7). In this way, the device may be driven into a substrate and then fluid may be injected into the substrate by passing along the internal passage and through the at least one outlet (9), without first having to remove the device and replace it with a separate injection component.