Force Modulation Drill Bit Cutter with Orthogonal Spring Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drill bits with fixed cutters suffer from uneven wear and premature failure due to unidirectional force modulation, which cannot effectively manage multi-dimensional forces encountered during drilling, particularly at rock formation junctions.

Innovation Solution

A force modulation system for drill bits that includes a cutter, holder, and dual force members exerting forces in orthogonal directions to maintain the holder's position in multiple dimensions, preventing excessive force damage by varying the cutting profile in both directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed cutters are used on drill bits, then reliability under extreme heat and pressure conditions is improved, but wear on cutters becomes substantial and uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability under extreme heat and pressureVSAvoidservice life of fixed cutters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is made movable relative to the drill bit body through elastic members (springs), allowing the fixed cutter to dynamically adjust its position in response to varying drilling conditions. This dynamic capability enables the cutter to retract under excessive load while maintaining fixed positioning during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and service life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic members (springs) are pre-installed between the holder and drill bit body to provide cushioning force before excessive load occurs. This beforehand cushioning mechanism absorbs impact loads and prevents sudden cutter failure, extending cutter service life while maintaining reliability under extreme conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If fixed cutters are mounted on the bit blade, then cutting velocity and cutting force are maximized, but wear and damage to cutters increases severely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverate of penetration into rock formationVSAvoidwear and damage to fixed cutters

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member enables the holder to dynamically respond to high cutting forces on the bit blade by allowing controlled movement that protects the cutter from excessive wear while maintaining high cutting velocity and force during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and cutter durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member provides preliminary protective action by being pre-loaded to counteract the severe cutting forces experienced by bit blade cutters, preventing damage before it occurs while allowing maximum cutting performance during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If unidirectional force modulation is used, then simplicity of the force modulation system is maintained, but effectiveness in managing multi-dimensional forces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of force modulation systemVSAvoideffectiveness in managing multi-dimensional forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force modulation system is extended from unidirectional to multi-directional by incorporating elastic members that act in multiple directions (axial and radial forces). This dimensional expansion allows the system to effectively manage multi-dimensional forces encountered during drilling while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through the use of spring elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system extends the drill bit's working life by evenly distributing forces across multiple dimensions, reducing wear and preventing premature failure of fixed cutters, especially on the bit blade and shoulder, where multi-directional forces are most severe.

Implementation Method 1

there is an elastic member 5 between the holder 2 and the drill bit 3. The elastic member 5 can be a spring, which compresses to lessen the cutting force against harder rock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first force member 60 is positioned against the holder 30 so as to exert a first force in a second direction 44 of the holder 30. The second direction 44 is angled offset to the first direction 42

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11808090B2Force modulation system for a drill bit

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 CNPC USA CORP

AI summary

The force modulation system for a drill bit includes a cutter, a holder, a holder retention device, and a first force member. The cutter fits in the holder, and the holder fits in the drill bit. The holder retention device exerts a holder retention force in a first direction. The first force member exerts a first force in a second direction. The second direction is angled offset to the first direction so as that the cutting profile of the force modulation system is now variable in the second direction, according to the first force. There can also be a second force member to exert a second force in the first direction for more variability of the cutting profile in the first direction. The second force member can be made integral with the first force member.