Dual Clamping Head Drilling for Extended Axial Rod Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-head drilling devices face limitations in axial adjustment of the inner linkage relative to the outer pipe, particularly in varying soil conditions, which restricts versatility and adaptability during borehole creation.

Innovation Solution

A double-head drilling device with axially displaceable clamping heads allows for nearly any desired axial adjustment of the inner linkage, enabling it to protrude significantly beyond the drive units and support borehole creation in diverse soil conditions, using a combination of hydraulic drives, displacement cylinders, and linear guides for precise control and torque transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single clamping head with limited stroke cylinder is used for axial adjustment, then the device structure is simpler, but the axial adjustment range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial adjustment rangeVSAvoidclamping head arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single clamping head is divided into two separate clamping heads (first and second clamping heads), each capable of independent axial displacement. This segmentation allows the inner linkage to achieve extended axial adjustment range by alternating between the two clamping heads, resolving the contradiction between adjustment range and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static single clamping head to a dynamic two-clamping-head arrangement where one clamping head can be actively displaced while the other maintains clamping. This dynamic alternation enables continuous axial adjustment beyond the stroke length of individual displacement cylinders

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the inner linkage protrudes significantly beyond the drive units, then versatility in different soil conditions is improved, but the risk of linkage damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling adaptabilityVSAvoidlinkage integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before axial displacement operations, the system pre-clamps the inner linkage using one clamping head to secure it in place. This preliminary clamping action prevents unintended movement or damage during subsequent operations, allowing the inner linkage to safely protrude beyond the drive units for enhanced drilling adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The two clamping heads act as intermediary securing points along the inner linkage. By providing multiple clamping positions, they serve as protective intermediaries that prevent excessive protrusion or unintended displacement, thereby protecting the linkage while still allowing sufficient extension for versatile drilling operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration enhances the versatility of double-head drilling by allowing extensive axial displacement of the inner rod relative to the outer pipe, ensuring stable and adjustable drilling operations in different soil types, including sandy and layered soils, and supports various drilling methods like overburden drilling.

Implementation Method 1

at least one displacement cylinder (30) is provided for displacing the second clamping head (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The first clamping head (22) is designed to hold the inner linkage (50) in an axially fixed state for torque transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3456914B1Dual head drilling device and method for producing a borehole
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 EURODRILL GMBH
  • EP3456914B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a double-headed drilling device for a drill string comprising an outer tube and an inner string extending at least partially within the outer tube, with a first drive unit for rotating the inner string and a second drive unit for rotating the outer tube. According to the invention, a first clamping head and a second clamping head are provided for releasably clamping the inner string, and the two clamping heads are mounted to be axially displaceable relative to each other. Furthermore, the invention also includes a method for creating a borehole with this double-headed drilling device.