Portable Drilling Device with Inclined Stabilizer Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable drilling devices for boring horizontal holes beneath impediments like sidewalks or driveways are cumbersome, costly, and difficult to maneuver, with issues related to stability, control, and time-consuming assembly and disassembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A portable drilling device featuring a motor mounted on an inclined stabilizer bar with a handle for guidance, a shaft connected to an auger, and a universal joint for enhanced stability and control, reducing weight and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large vehicle-mounted auger is used for horizontal drilling, then drilling power and capability are improved, but device portability and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling device is divided into separable components including the auger assembly, power source, and handle assembly that can be easily assembled and disassembled by a single operator, enabling both sufficient drilling power and easy maneuverability in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
A universal joint is introduced as an intermediary component between the power source and auger, allowing flexible power transmission while maintaining compact device dimensions for easy maneuverability in tight spaces
2Power
If a complex hydraulic system is used for auger operation, then drilling control and power are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hydraulic control system is replaced with a simple mechanical direct-drive system where the power source directly drives the auger through a universal joint, eliminating hydraulic components while maintaining effective drilling control
Solution Approach 2:
The operator directly controls the auger rotation through the handle assembly that mechanically connects to the power source, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic control systems and making the device simpler and more cost-effective
3Reliability
If traditional horizontal drilling methods are used, then drilling capability is achieved, but time consumption and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power source, drive mechanism, and auger are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be easily maneuvered and controlled by one operator, eliminating the need for multiple operators and complex setup procedures, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining reliable drilling capability
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
The device improves portability, stability, and control while reducing manufacturing and operating costs, and minimizes assembly and disassembly times, making it more efficient and cost-effective for horizontal drilling.
Implementation Method 1
a motor operatively mounted on an auger assembly
Implementation Method 2
an auger rotatably carried by a housing assembly... whereby when the motor is engaged, the shaft and the auger are rotated in a predetermined direction
Data Source
AI summary
A portable drilling device for use in horizontal boring through a substrate beneath an impediment includes a motor mounted on an inclined stabilizer bar. The inclined stabilizer bar includes a handle for use by the operator of the drilling unit which allows the operator to guide the unit during operation. A shaft is operatively mounted on the motor and is rotatably carried by the stabilizer bar. The shaft is in turn attached to an auger which is rotatably carried within a bearing housing assembly that is attached to the inclined stabilizer bar at a predetermined angle. A skid shoe is mounted underneath the shaft-auger attachment point and is attached to both the housing and the inclined stabilizer bar, whereby, when the motor is engaged the shaft and the auger are rotated in order to bore a horizontal opening through the substrate beneath an impediment such as a sidewalk or driveway.