Non-rotating drill bit for down-the-hole hammer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional down-the-hole drill (DHD) hammers require complex rotational drive mechanisms due to the need to rotate and index drill bits after each drilling cycle, leading to increased complexity and likelihood of failure in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A non-rotating drill bit design for DHD hammers, featuring axisymmetric cutting members such as circular cutting rings that do not require rotation or indexing, simplifying the drill bit structure and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional drill bits with cutting inserts are used, then cutting capability is achieved, but rotational mechanisms are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the rotational drive mechanism from the DHD hammer system by redesigning the drill bit with axisymmetric cutting members that do not require rotation. The cutting members are fixed in position and oriented to cut rock during the hammering motion alone, removing the need for complex rotational indexing mechanisms while maintaining cutting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the drill bit to position cutting inserts for effective cutting, the invention inverts the approach by orienting the cutting members axially and positioning them to engage the rock face during the downward hammering stroke. The cutting action is achieved through the linear reciprocating motion rather than rotational motion, fundamentally reversing the conventional drilling mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotational mechanisms are added to rotate drill bits, then cutting inserts can be repositioned, but reliability decreases due to increased failure likelihood in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the rotational indexing mechanism entirely from the system. The axisymmetric cutting members are fixed in their positions and oriented to effectively cut rock during the hammering motion without requiring any rotation or repositioning mechanisms, thereby eliminating potential failure points in harsh drilling environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The axisymmetric geometry of the cutting members and their strategic positioning allow the drill bit to perform cutting functions automatically during the normal hammering cycle without requiring external rotational actuation. The system uses its inherent reciprocating motion to achieve both rock fracture and cutting action.
3Productivity
If cutting inserts are spaced apart, then rock cutting is effective, but drill bit must be rotated to reposition inserts for continued drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by using axially oriented cutting members that engage the rock face during the downward stroke. The spacing and angular orientation of these cutting members are designed to effectively cut rock during linear reciprocating motion, eliminating the need for rotational indexing to reposition cutting elements between strokes.
Solution Approach 2:
The axisymmetric cutting members are positioned and oriented to maintain continuous cutting engagement with the rock face during each hammering cycle. The geometry and spacing of the cutting members ensure that cutting action is sustained throughout the drilling process without interruption or need for repositioning, achieving continuous useful action without rotational mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-rotational drill bit for a down-the-hole drill hammer is provided that includes a head and a shank extending from the head. The head includes a plurality of axisymmetric cutting members about its working face. The drill bit also includes a porting system that includes a central through hole, an air inlet port, an exhaust outlet port and a central exhaust port for exhausting air from an interior of the drill hammer and for clearing drilling debris from the face of the drill bit.