Pipe Unplugging Drill With Bronze Bit and Screw Feed

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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 risk of accidents.

Innovation Solution

A drilling apparatus with a bronze drill bit, up-and-down adjustment handle, and a screw mechanism, housed in a body casing with a head cover for collecting debris, and a flexible pressure hose for easy access in narrow spaces, designed to crush and safely remove plugging without sparking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional impact tools such as welding rod are used to remove plugging, then plugging removal is achieved, but sparks are generated causing fire hazard when combustible gas or liquid is present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplugging removal efficiencyVSAvoidfire hazard from sparks
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional impact-based mechanical removal system with a drilling system that uses rotational cutting action. The drill bit with cutting edges rotates to grind and remove plugging, substituting the impact mechanism with a controlled rotational mechanical system that does not generate sparks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters from high-impact force to controlled rotational speed and cutting feed rate. By adjusting the rotation speed of the drill bit and the feed rate of the drilling apparatus, the system achieves effective plugging removal through gradual cutting rather than sudden impact, eliminating spark generation

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:
Improvespark generationVSAvoiddrilling apparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: the drill bit not only removes plugging but can also create holes for inserting other cleaning tools or chemicals. The apparatus can be adapted to different pipe sizes and plugging types by changing drill bits or adjustment settings, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling apparatus features a compact nested structure where the drill shaft, drill bit, and adjustment mechanisms are housed within a telescopic or collapsible frame. The internal components are arranged concentrically, with the drill bit at the center, surrounded by the drill shaft, which is nested within the adjustment mechanism housing, creating a space-efficient design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If up-and-down adjustment mechanism is added to control drill bit movement, then drilling precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill bit positioning accuracyVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism incorporates self-locking features where the threading automatically locks the drill bit at the desired depth without requiring additional locking components. The spring-loaded adjustment system automatically returns the drill bit to its starting position after each drilling stroke, eliminating the need for manual repositioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 fires and explosions by using a bronze drill bit and a screw mechanism that minimizes spark generation.

Implementation Method 1

a screw positioned on the same axis as the drill bit; a drill shaft including a first part surrounding the screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

an up-and-down adjustment handle being capable of adjusting of movement the drill bit up and down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3511080B1Drill device for removing plugging in pipes
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3511080B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3511080B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3511080B1 patent drawingFigure 2e~2g

AI summary

Provided is a drill device for removing plugging in pipes, the drill device comprising: 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, wherein: 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 in conjunction therewith, the drill bit can be vertically moved; and the guide shaft is rotated by rotations of the drill handle, and in conjunction therewith, the drill bit can be rotated. The disclosed device can safely remove plugging in drain pipes even in a state where inflammable gases or liquids remain in the pipes.