Regulating Device for Drilling Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill bit technologies face challenges in controlling reaction forces during drilling in hard rock formations, leading to increased frictional heat and potential damage, as current solutions like axial shock absorbers and torque converters are either ineffective at low strains or compromise drilling capacity.
Innovation Solution
A regulating device with a balanced biasing system, combining features from axial shock absorbers and torque converters, which allows telescoping movement and adjusts biasing forces to minimize friction and maximize power capacity by being sensitive during engagement and robust during drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the angle of attack of cutting elements is reduced to decrease reactive force, then the risk of vibrations and drill bit damage is reduced, but weight-on-bit must be considerably increased to establish engagement in hard rock
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is segmented into multiple functional components including a regulating device with separate biasing mechanisms. The system divides the force management into distinct functional zones: the first biasing device handles axial shock absorption while the second biasing device manages torque-induced axial forces, allowing each segment to optimize its function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating device employs dynamic biasing forces that adapt to drilling conditions. The spring-based biasing devices provide variable resistance that automatically adjusts based on the operational state, being more sensitive during engagement and maintaining robustness during drilling, eliminating the need for fixed high weight-on-bit settings
2Strength
If weight-on-bit is increased to enable cutters to engage hard rock, then cutting capability is improved, but frictional heat in cutting elements increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating device provides beforehand cushioning through its biasing mechanisms that absorb shocks and regulate forces before they reach the drill bit. This pre-regulation prevents excessive weight-on-bit from being applied, thereby preventing the exponential increase in frictional heat while still enabling effective cutting through controlled force application
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of force application by using spring-based biasing devices that provide variable, adaptive resistance. This transforms the static high weight-on-bit requirement into a dynamic, regulated force application that maintains cutting capability while controlling the temperature parameter through reduced and optimized axial forces
3Reliability
If torque converters with rigid internal compression springs are used to transform impacts into axial motion, then protection from torque peaks is improved, but the device becomes fully extended and rigid during feeding against work surface
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating device employs dynamic spring-based biasing mechanisms that adapt their stiffness and response characteristics based on operational conditions. During feeding and engagement, the springs provide sensitive, compliant behavior that allows easy adjustment and protection. During drilling, the same springs maintain robustness through their elastic properties, eliminating the need for rigid springs that become overly stiff when extended
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 device provides improved protection and increased drilling capacity by being sensitive during initial engagement and maintaining robustness during the drilling phase, reducing the risk of drill bit damage and enhancing the use of sharp cutters for hard rock drilling.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing device which is arranged to exert a driving force to drive the regulating device towards its extended position
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing device which has an associated driving device whose axial position in the regulating device is controlled by mutual axial position of the male portion and the female portion
Data Source
AI summary
A regulating device is for use in a drill string between a drilling machine and a drill bit. The regulating device has a tubular female portion which at least partly encloses a tubular male portion; a helical coupling between the female portion and the male portion to allow a telescoping movement of the regulating device in both directions between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, the movement of the regulating device occurring when there is a difference in rotational speed between the female portion and the male portion; a first biasing device which is arranged to exert a driving force to drive the regulating device towards its extended position; and a second biasing device.