Interlocking Reinforcing Ring for Downhole Bit Connection Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole drilling bits experience wear and breakage at the connection point due to the application of forces during drilling, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reinforcing ring made of a ductile material within the connection portion of the bit, which strengthens the connection between the bit and the drill string, reducing wear and fracture by using a different material than the bit head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the connection portion is made from the same material as the bit head, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the connection portion experiences wear and breakage due to the application of forces during drilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidconnection portion durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portion is made from a ductile material that is different from the bit head material, giving each part local quality suited to its specific function. The connection portion requires ductility to withstand applied forces, while the bit head requires different properties for cutting performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bit is constructed as a composite structure with the connection portion made from a ductile material and the bit head made from a different material. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific functional requirements while being manufactured as an integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a reinforcing ring is added to the connection portion, then the durability and strength are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection portion strengthVSAvoidbit structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing ring is integrated with the connection portion through interlocking features, merging two separate components into a unified structure. This combination provides enhanced strength while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing ring is positioned within the connection portion, with the ring nested inside the connection portion structure. This nesting arrangement allows the reinforcing ring to strengthen the connection portion without significantly increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the bit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12421808B2Devices, systems, and methods for a reinforcing ring in a bit

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bit. The bit includes a bit head formed from a first material. A connection portion is connected to the bit head opposite the bit head. The connection portion has a box connection having an inner surface with a threaded connection for connection to a drill string. A reinforcing ring is formed from a second material. The reinforcing ring is located at the connection portion to strengthen the connection portion. The reinforcing ring is connected to the connection portion with an interlocking feature.