Drill Stem Coupling Torque Isolation Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill stem component connection systems are difficult to disassemble after use, requiring large tools and posing safety risks due to over-tightening during drilling operations, which compromises ease of assembly and safety.
Innovation Solution
A threaded collar design that isolates torque forces from axial forces, using left-hand tightening threads and splines to secure components without over-tightening, allowing for easy disassembly with reduced manual force and enhanced safety by using a spanner or set screws for engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded coupling is used to connect drill stem components, then structural integrity for drilling operations is provided, but disassembly becomes difficult requiring large tools and posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional elements: a coupling body with internal threads, an external threading on the drill stem component, and a distinct locking mechanism using set screws or a spanner. This segmentation allows the main body to provide structural integrity while the separate locking elements enable easy disassembly without requiring large tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Set screws or a spanner act as intermediary elements between the threaded components. These intermediaries provide a controlled method for securing and releasing the connection, allowing easy disassembly by simply removing the set screws or using the spanner, rather than requiring large pipe wrenches to break loose tightly threaded connections.
2Productivity
If rotation is applied to the drill stem during drilling, then straight ahead drilling is accomplished, but thread tightening occurs making disassembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly function is extracted from the main threaded connection and embodied in separate removable elements (set screws or spanner mechanism). This allows the threaded connection to remain tightly secured during drilling operations for productivity, while the extracted disassembly mechanism enables easy separation afterward without requiring excessive force or large tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic system where set screws can be easily adjusted or removed, and the spanner can be engaged or disengaged. This dynamic characteristic allows the connection to maintain tightness during drilling while enabling quick release when needed, resolving the contradiction between drilling efficiency and ease of disassembly.
3Ease of repair
If large tools such as pipe wrench are used to disconnect components, then threaded components can be separated, but operator safety is compromised and convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is designed to be self-servicing through the use of set screws that can be easily removed with standard screwdrivers or the integrated spanner mechanism that requires minimal tools. This self-service capability allows operators to disconnect components safely and easily without requiring large pipe wrenches, thereby maintaining component disconnectability while significantly improving operator safety.
4Ease of operation
If threaded collar design isolates torque forces from axial forces, then easy disassembly is enabled, but structural integrity during drilling must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is segmented into distinct functional zones: one that handles axial loads through internal threading and another that handles torque through external splines or keyways. This segmentation allows torque forces to be isolated from axial forces, preventing over-tightening during rotation while maintaining structural integrity, and enabling easy disassembly by simply removing set screws without having to overcome torque-induced thread tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the coupling system have specialized local qualities: the internal threads are designed for axial load bearing, while external splines or keyways are designed for torque transmission. This local specialization allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other, maintaining structural integrity during drilling while enabling easy disassembly through the isolated torque path.
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
The threaded collar design facilitates secure attachment during drilling while enabling easy disassembly without the need for large tools, reducing operator risk and improving safety by isolating torque forces and protecting joints from debris.
Implementation Method 1
The collar (20) includes left-hand tightening threads configured to selectively engage right-hand threading on the adapter (30)
Implementation Method 2
allowing for easy disassembly with reduced manual force and enhanced safety by using a spanner or set screws for engagement
Implementation Method 3
using left-hand tightening threads and splines to secure components without over-tightening
Data Source
AI summary
A drill stem connection assembly includes a first drill stem section and a second drill stem section. At least one engaging feature is located at an end of the first drill stem section. At least one mating feature accepts the at least one engaging feature. The at least one mating feature is located at an end of the second drill stem section. Coupling of the respective ends of the first and second drill stem sections forms a drill stem joint. A threaded collar engages with at least one of the coupled first and second drill stem sections. When placed in a securing position, the threaded collar holds the engaging feature securely mated with the mating feature and at least partially covers the drill stem joint.