Integrated Drill-Suction Tool for Leak-Safe Underwater Fluid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing fluids from underwater containers, such as shipwreck tanks, are complex and prone to errors due to poor visibility and the risk of oil leakage during equipment changes, increasing the likelihood of environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a drill bit having multiple sections (spotting, twist, and tap drill) and a suction device that surrounds the drill bit, allowing immediate suction upon puncturing the container, reducing the need for tool changes and minimizing oil escape, equipped with indicators for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drilling equipment is removed and suction equipment is placed to the drilled hole, then fluid can be removed from the container, but oil may escape the suction equipment during equipment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drilling function and suction function into a single integrated device. The drill bit with flutes is integrated with the suction device, allowing the drill to create the hole and the suction device to immediately capture fluid without removing equipment. This merging eliminates the equipment change step that causes oil escape and reduces operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool changes are conducted during drilling procedure, then different drilling functions can be performed, but the risk of hazardous fluid leaking into the environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple drilling functions (spotting, twisting, and tapping) into a single multi-section drill bit. The drill bit includes a spotting drill section for initial penetration, a twist drill section for enlarging the hole, and a tap drill section for threading. This integration allows versatile drilling operations without removing or changing tools, eliminating leakage risks during equipment changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device operates continuously throughout the entire drilling process, from initial penetration to final threading. The suction begins when the spotting drill section penetrates the container and continues without interruption as the drill progresses through different sections. This continuous operation ensures no fluid escape occurs during the drilling procedure.
3Productivity
If the drill bit has multiple sections for different drilling steps, then the drilling process can be completed without tool changes, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit is segmented into distinct functional sections: a spotting drill section for initial penetration, a twist drill section for enlarging the hole, and a tap drill section for threading. Each section performs a specific drilling function, allowing the complete drilling process to be completed with one tool while maintaining clear functional separation. This segmentation achieves productivity improvement without excessive complexity.
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 solution enables safe and efficient fluid removal from underwater containers, reducing the risk of hazardous fluid escape and simplifying operations in harsh conditions, even in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device, comprising two openings at opposite sides of the suction device and a cavity for the drill bit, where the drill bit is rotatably pushed through the suction device for drilling the underwater container; and an outlet connectable to a suction hose, said outlet extending to the cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) and a method for removing fluid from an underwater container (3) comprise a drill bit (10), having a twist drill section (12), at least one flute (14), a tap drill section (13) and a shank (16); a suction device (30), comprising two openings (33) at opposite sides of the suction device (30) and a cavity (32) for the drill bit (10), where the drill bit (10) is rotatably pushed through the suction device (30) for drilling the underwater container (3). An outlet (31) is connectable to a suction hose (4), said outlet (31) extending to the cavity (32). The at least one flute (14) extends to the cavity (32) during drilling the underwater container (3) and leads fluid from the underwater container (3) to the outlet (31).