Rotary Drilling Power Head Torque Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Small rotary drilling rigs and large-bore drilling operations face inefficiencies and equipment damage when attempting to embed casings due to insufficient output torque from the power head, making it difficult to achieve effective full casing embedment.

Innovation Solution

A power head for rotary drilling rigs featuring a transmission device with a first and second output shaft, where the second output shaft provides a higher torque than the first when driving the casing driver, allowing for enhanced embedment efficiency, and a mechanism to switch between torque states to conserve power during standard drilling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the power head uses a single output shaft for both drilling and casing embedment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the output torque is insufficient for casing embedment operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission structureVSAvoidoutput torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The power head transmission system is segmented into two independent output shafts: a first output shaft for drilling operations and a second output shaft for casing embedment operations. Each output shaft has its own transmission path from the driving device, allowing independent optimization of torque characteristics for each function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient torque for casing embedment without compromising the simplicity of the overall structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power head is designed with multi-functionality to perform both drilling and casing embedment operations. The driving device can selectively drive either the first output shaft or the second output shaft based on operational requirements. This universal design allows a single power head unit to handle multiple functions that previously would have required separate equipment, resolving the torque insufficiency while maintaining device versatility.

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

2Productivity

If the power head provides high output torque for casing embedment, then the casing embedment efficiency is improved, but the power consumption increases during standard drilling operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasing embedment efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power head employs a dynamic transmission system where the driving device can selectively engage different transmission paths based on operational mode. During drilling operations, only the first output shaft transmission path is active, consuming standard power levels. During casing embedment operations, the driving device switches to engage the second output shaft transmission path, providing high torque only when needed. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by optimizing power consumption according to actual operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system allows for parameter changes in the output characteristics based on operational requirements. The driving device can adjust the transmission ratio and output torque parameters by selecting different output shafts. For drilling, standard torque parameters are used; for casing embedment, high torque parameters are activated. This parameter adaptability resolves the contradiction between high embedment efficiency and power consumption by matching torque output to operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If auxiliary equipment is used for casing embedment, then the output torque requirement is reduced, but the construction efficiency and economy are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput torque requirementVSAvoidconstruction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power head is designed as a multi-functional device that integrates both drilling and casing embedment capabilities within a single unit. The second output shaft is specifically configured to provide the necessary torque for casing embedment operations, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary equipment such as external winches or embedment machines. This universal design resolves the contradiction by maintaining high construction efficiency and economy while providing sufficient torque for casing embedment through integrated transmission paths.

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

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 power head enables smooth casing embedment with increased construction efficiency and reduced risk of equipment damage by providing a higher output torque specifically for casing operations, while maintaining standard drilling capabilities without unnecessary power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission device including an input shaft operatively connected with the driving device, a first output shaft operatively connected with a drilling rod of the rotary drilling rig and a second output shaft operatively connected with a casing driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3272992B1Power head of rotary drilling rig and rotary drilling rig
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 XUZHOU XUGONG FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO LTD
  • EP3272992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3272992B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3272992B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention has disclosed a power head of a rotary drilling rig and a rotary drilling rig. The power head comprises a driving device, and a transmission device including an input shaft operatively connected with the driving device, a first output shaft operatively connected with a drilling rod of said rotary drilling rig and a second output shaft operatively connected with a casing driver of said rotary drilling rig, wherein the second output shaft has a first state, in which an output torque that of said second output shaft is greater than that of said first output shaft when said driving device drives said input shaft to rotate. When it is necessary to perform a full casing embedment, the power head may be manipulated to make the second output shaft be in the first state to output an output torque for driving the casing driver greater than an output torque for driving a drilling rod, so that a casing may be smoothly embedded by utilizing a built-in function of the rotary drilling rig, and a high construction efficiency can be achieved.