Excavating Assembly Force Vector Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavation technologies face challenges in aligning resultant force vectors with the central axis of cutting elements, leading to inefficient force distribution and potential damage during natural and man-made formation excavation, such as downhole drilling, trenching, and road milling, due to varying ground conditions and formation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an excavating assembly with pointed cutting elements, equipped with transducers to measure and modify torque and weight, allowing continuous adjustment of excavating parameters like rotational velocity and weight distribution to align the resultant force vector with the central axis of the cutting element, utilizing wear-resistant tips made of superhard materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If excavation parameters are not continuously adjusted, then the cutting element structure remains simple, but the impact resistance decreases and wear increases due to misaligned resultant force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting excavating parameters (rotational velocity, weight distribution, torque) in real-time to maintain optimal alignment between the resultant force vector and the cutting element's central axis. This dynamic adjustment ensures maximum impact resistance and minimum wear across varying ground conditions, transforming a static system into an adaptive one that responds to changing excavation forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by modifying multiple excavating parameters including rotational velocity, axial weight, and torque applied to the cutting element. These parameter adjustments are continuously made based on measured resultant force vectors to optimize the alignment and performance of the cutting element, thereby improving impact resistance without requiring structural modifications to the cutting element itself.
2Reliability
If multiple excavating parameters are continuously adjusted, then wear resistance improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the resultant force vector acting on the cutting element using transducers, comparing it to the optimal central axis alignment, and automatically adjusting excavating parameters to minimize misalignment. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable wear resistance by maintaining optimal force distribution, while the automated control reduces the need for complex manual intervention.
3Productivity
If the resultant force is misaligned with the central axis, then the excavating assembly structure remains simple, but excavation efficiency decreases due to increased wear and reduced impact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically measuring the resultant force vector and adjusting its own excavating parameters without external intervention. The control system continuously monitors force alignment and autonomously modifies rotational velocity, weight distribution, and torque to optimize excavation efficiency, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain peak performance across varying ground conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present invention, a method of excavation with pointed cutting elements, comprising the steps of providing a excavating assembly with at least one pointed cutting element, the pointed cutting element comprising a rounded apex that intersects a central axis, the pointed cutting element further has a characteristic of having its highest impact resistance to resultant forces aligned with the central axis; engaging the at least one pointed cutting element against a formation such that the formation applies a resultant force against the pointed cutting element; determining an angle of the resultant force; and modifying at least one excavating parameter to align the resultant force with the pointed cutting element's central axis.