Non-Sparking Pipe Drill Mechanism for Safe Plug Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing plugging from pipes using impact tools can generate sparks, leading to fires or explosions when combustible gases or liquids are present, posing a significant safety risk.

Innovation Solution

A drill device with a bronze drill bit, up-and-down adjustment handle, and rotating mechanism, housed in a body casing with a head cover to collect debris, and equipped with a flexible wire and pressure hose for safe operation in narrow spaces, designed to crush plugging without sparking, featuring a screw and drill shaft system for precise movement and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If impact tools such as welding rod are used to remove plugging, then plugging removal efficiency is improved, but sparks are generated causing fire hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplugging removal efficiencyVSAvoidfire hazard from sparks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the impact-based mechanical removal system with a rotational drilling system. The drill bit rotates to crush and remove plugging through cutting action rather than impact, eliminating spark generation while maintaining effective plugging removal. This substitution of mechanical principle resolves the contradiction between removal efficiency and fire safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the removal system by using rotational motion at controlled speeds instead of impact forces. The drill bit rotates to crush plugging through sustained cutting action, transforming the removal mechanism from high-impact to controlled rotation, thereby eliminating sparks while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If drill bit is used to crush plugging, then fire hazard is eliminated, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire hazard eliminationVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drill device is segmented into distinct functional components: a drill shaft for rotation, a drill bit for crushing, a guide shaft for alignment, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability despite the increased complexity compared to simple impact tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drill device integrates multiple functions into a single tool: the drill shaft provides both rotational motion and structural support, the guide shaft ensures proper alignment, and the handle enables both positioning and rotation control. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by consolidating several operations into one device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If bronze drill bit is used, then spark generation is prevented, but material strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespark generation preventionVSAvoiddrill bit strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the drill bit from high-strength steel to bronze, accepting the trade-off in strength for the benefit of spark prevention. The bronze material is sufficiently strong for crushing plugging in pipe drains while being non-sparking, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and strength for this specific application context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables safe removal of plugging from pipes even when combustible gases or liquids are present, preventing accidents like fires and explosions by eliminating spark generation during the process.

Implementation Method 1

a screw positioned on a common axis with the drill bit; a drill shaft including a first part surrounding the screw... the up-and-down adjustment handle rotates to move the screw in an up and down direction, and the movement of screw moves the drill bit in a corresponding up and down direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a drill bit for crushing the plugging in the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical crushing: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11154911B2Drill device for removing plugging in pipes

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

A drill device for removing plugging in pipes, the drill device including: a drill bit for breaking plugging in pipes; a vertical control handle capable of controlling a vertical movement of the drill bit; a drill handle capable of controlling a rotational movement of the drill bit; a screw disposed coaxially with the drill bit; a drill shaft having a first portion surrounding the screw and a second portion to which the drill bit is fixed; and a guide shaft surrounding the first portion of the drill shaft. The vertical control handle and the drill handle are disposed on an extension line of the axis of the screw; the screw is vertically moved by rotations of the vertical control handle; and the guide shaft is rotated by rotations of the drill handle, and in conjunction therewith, the drill bit can be rotated.