Multi-sectional Percussive Drill Bit Assembly with Lug and Pocket Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large diameter pneumatic percussive hammers and drill bit assemblies face high costs and labor-intensive maintenance due to the need for frequent replacement of bit heads, which are often discarded even when the shank remains operable, limiting the life expectancy of retaining members and not allowing for easy or cost-effective replacement of bit heads without expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A drill bit assembly design that separates drilling forces into independent members for the shank and bit, using a complementary lug and pocket structure with a retaining member to allow for easy rotation and replacement of the bit head without applying torsional forces to the retaining member, enabling the bit head to be replaced without discarding the shank and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bit head is frequently replaced due to wear, then drilling effectiveness is maintained, but maintenance cost and labor time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit is divided into two separable components: a reusable shank and a replaceable bit head. The shank contains a passage through which retaining members pass, while the bit head has corresponding passages that align with the shank passages when assembled. This segmentation allows the bit head to be independently replaced without discarding the shank, reducing maintenance time and cost while maintaining drilling effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the entire drill bit assembly is replaced when the bit head wears, then drilling performance is restored, but material waste and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit assembly is segmented into a durable shank and a consumable bit head. The shank is designed to be reused across multiple bit heads, while only the worn bit head is discarded. This reduces material waste significantly compared to replacing the entire assembly, while restoring drilling performance through bit head replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of only the worn bit head portion while recovering and reusing the shank. The shank is retained and prepared for the next bit head installation, maximizing material utilization and reducing waste of the more expensive or time-consuming-to-manufacture shank component.
3Ease of operation
If retaining members are subjected to torsional forces during bit rotation, then bit rotation is enabled, but retaining member life expectancy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The torsional force transmission function is extracted from the retaining members and assigned to dedicated lug and pocket structures. The retaining members are removed from the torsional load path, serving only to retain the bit head axially on the shank. This separation of functions extends retaining member life while maintaining full bit rotation capability through the lug-pocket engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-sectional percussive drill bit assembly for drilling holes in earth formation primarily used in conjunction with a pneumatic percussive device. The drill bit assembly is comprised of an easily removable bit that is rotationally driven by a lug and pocket structure and axially limited in travel by means of retaining members.