Inverted DTH Hammer Structure for Shorter Bit Shank Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DTH drill hammers have lengthy drill bit shanks and overall lengths, increasing weight and complexity, necessitating a need for a shorter design.
Innovation Solution
A down-the-hole hammer with a casing having an externally threaded distal end and a chuck with internal threads, featuring a bit retaining ring between the casing and chuck to securely hold a drill bit with a shorter shank, allowing for a lighter and more manageable tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional DTH drill hammer design is used with a lengthy drill bit shank, then the drill bit can be securely retained, but the overall hammer length and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit shank is nested within the hammer body by threading the chuck directly onto the casing, eliminating the need for a lengthy external shank. The bit retaining ring is positioned within the casing to secure the drill bit in a compact configuration, achieving secure retention while reducing overall length.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional arrangement is inverted by positioning the bit retaining ring and chuck within the casing rather than extending outward. The threaded connection is reversed with the chuck threading onto the casing in an inverted orientation, allowing the drill bit to be retained securely while minimizing the external profile and overall length.
2Weight of moving object
If a lengthy drill bit shank is used, then the drill bit can be retained, but the weight of the drill bit and hammer assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit is nested within the hammer body with the shank contained inside the casing. The bit retaining ring secures the drill bit in this nested configuration, eliminating the need for a lengthy external shank and reducing the overall weight of the hammer assembly while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The lengthy drill bit shank is extracted from the conventional external configuration and repositioned within the hammer body. Only the essential portions of the drill bit extend outward, removing unnecessary weight while preserving the retention function through the bit retaining ring and threaded chuck connection.
3Device complexity
If additional components are added to secure the drill bit, then drill bit retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck and bit retaining ring are merged into a single integrated component that performs both functions: threading onto the casing to secure the chuck position and retaining the drill bit simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining reliable drill bit retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit retaining ring serves multiple functions: it secures the drill bit axially, positions the drill bit radially, and works in conjunction with the threaded chuck connection to provide comprehensive retention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms, reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A down-the-hole drill hammer comprising a casing having externally threaded distal end, and a chuck having internal threads threadedly connectable to the distal end of the casing. The down-the-hole drill hammer further comprising a drill bit having a head and a shank extending proximally from the head, and a bit retaining ring between the casing and the chuck for releasably retaining the drill bit.