Frusto-Conical Spring Isolation for Resonance Rotary Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resonance enhanced rotary drilling techniques face challenges in achieving high frequencies and maintaining resonance across varying rock types, leading to inefficiencies and component wear due to inadequate vibration isolation and transmission.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a spring system comprising frusto-conical springs for vibration isolation and transmission units, which are tuned to specific frequencies to reduce vibration impact on sensitive components while amplifying vibrations for the drill bit, using a combination of vibration damping and transmission units to enhance drilling efficiency and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a low frequency hydraulic oscillator is used for percussion enhanced rotary drilling, then the apparatus can be operated with existing hydraulic systems, but high frequencies required for resonance enhanced drilling cannot be attained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling speedVSAvoidoscillator frequency capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate functional units: a vibration isolation unit that protects the oscillator from harmful vibrations, and a vibration transmission unit that transmits beneficial vibrations to the drill bit. This segmentation allows the oscillator to operate at high frequencies without being constrained by the need to directly couple with the drilling system, enabling resonance enhanced drilling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration isolation and transmission units act as intermediary elements between the oscillator and the drilling system. These intermediaries enable the oscillator to generate high frequency vibrations while selectively isolating sensitive components from harmful vibrations and transmitting beneficial vibrations to the drill bit, thus achieving high frequency operation without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual control of percussion frequency and stroke is used, then the apparatus is simpler to operate, but resonance cannot be maintained when drilling through different rock types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different rock typesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor drilling conditions and automatically adjust the vibration frequency and amplitude. This feedback control enables the system to maintain resonance conditions when transitioning between different rock types, improving adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention. The feedback loop continuously optimizes the vibration parameters based on real-time drilling response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If vibration isolation is not provided for sensitive components, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but component wear increases due to vibration impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment lifespanVSAvoidvibration isolation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful vibrations are extracted and isolated from the sensitive components through dedicated vibration isolation units. This extraction approach protects components from vibration-induced wear and failure, extending equipment lifespan. The isolation units are positioned to specifically target and capture harmful vibrational energy, removing it from the system before it can damage sensitive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration transmission units convert harmful vibrations into beneficial effects by directing vibrational energy to the drill bit where it enhances drilling efficiency. What would normally be harmful vibrations causing wear are instead channeled to perform useful work in breaking up the rock formation, turning a potential problem into a drilling advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Productivity

If vibration transmission to drill bit is not enhanced, then the apparatus is simpler, but drilling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidvibration transmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes mechanical vibration principles to enhance drilling efficiency. The vibration transmission units are designed to amplify and transmit oscillatory motions to the drill bit, creating resonant vibrations that significantly improve the rate of penetration. This mechanical vibration approach allows the drill bit to more effectively fracture and remove rock material, boosting productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration transmission units enable dynamic adjustment of vibration parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and phase. By optimizing these parameters in real-time, the system maximizes drilling efficiency across different rock types and drilling conditions. The ability to change vibration parameters allows the system to adapt to varying operational requirements and maintain peak performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution significantly increases drilling speed, borehole stability, and equipment lifespan by precisely controlling resonance and reducing wear on drilling apparatus, while allowing efficient dynamic axial load transfer to the drill bit.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration damping and/or isolation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a spring system comprising two or more frusto-conical springs arranged in series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a vibration enhancement and/or transmission unit... tuned to specific frequencies to reduce vibration impact on sensitive components while amplifying vibrations for the drill bit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2646639B1Vibration transmission and isolation
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 ITI SCOTLAND LTD
  • EP2646639B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2646639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2646639B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus for use in resonance enhanced rotary drilling, which apparatus comprises one or both of: (a) a vibration isolation unit; and (b) a vibration transmission unit. typically wherein the vibration isolation unit and/or the vibration transmission unit comprise a spring system comprising two or more frusto-conical springs arranged in series.