Helical Spring Torque Converter for Drilling Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling systems face extreme stress and equipment damage due to uncontrolled energy release from torque fluctuations, particularly when using modern drill bits with brittle, industrially manufactured diamonds, which are sensitive to impacts.
Innovation Solution
A device with concentric cylindrical string parts connected by helical spring elements allows for axial movement when torque exceeds a predetermined value, reducing axial load on the drill bit and mitigating shock and vibration effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional drilling systems are used without protective devices, then the drill string can handle high torque loads, but the equipment suffers extreme stress and damage from uncontrolled energy release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a torque converter device with spring elements positioned in the drill string before excessive torque can cause damage. When torque exceeds a predetermined value, the spring elements compress to absorb the excess energy, preventing uncontrolled energy release that would otherwise cause extreme stress and equipment failure. This beforehand cushioning mechanism protects the drill string and drill bit from shocks and vibrations while maintaining normal drilling operations.
2Productivity
If modern drill bits with fixed cutters are used, then drilling efficiency is improved, but the brittle diamond structure becomes sensitive to impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The torque converter device with spring elements is positioned upstream in the drill string to absorb impacts before they reach the drill bit. When the drill bit encounters varying rock formations and experiences sudden torque changes, the spring elements compress to cushion the shocks, protecting the brittle fixed cutter diamond structure from impact damage while allowing the efficient drilling operation to continue.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic equipment is added to control drilling, then drilling precision is improved, but the equipment becomes vulnerable to damage from extreme shocks and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The torque converter device is positioned in the drill string to absorb shocks and vibrations before they reach the electromagnetic equipment located at the bottom of the drill string. This beforehand cushioning protects the vulnerable electromechanical components from extreme shocks and vibrations, ensuring their continued reliable operation while maintaining drilling precision.
4Ease of operation
If a complex controllable drilling system is implemented, then drilling control is improved, but the system becomes more prone to breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The torque converter device operates automatically based on the mechanical condition of the drill string without requiring external control signals. When torque exceeds the predetermined value, the spring elements automatically compress to absorb the excess energy, and when torque returns to normal levels, the springs expand back to their original position. This self-service mechanism provides protective functionality without adding complexity to the control system, maintaining system reliability.
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 provides immediate protection, reduces the risk of breakdowns, and lowers production and maintenance costs by absorbing impacts and controlling torque, making the system simpler, more robust, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The string parts are connected through a number of helical spring elements in such a way that relative rotation of the string parts leads to axial movement when the torque exceeds a given value
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter for use in drilling with a rotating drill bit, the purpose of the torque converter being to absorb impacts and bring about an axial movement of the drill bit when the torque exceeds a predetermined value. For this purpose the torque converter is composed of two cylindrical string parts connected through the bearing elements. The string parts are connected to each other through helical elements in such a way that relative rotation of the two cylindrical string parts brings about axial movement, which unloads the drill bit.