Pullback Device for Rotary Drill Bit Without Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Horizontal directional drilling operations face inefficiencies in the process of installing products in drilled holes, as existing methods require disassembly of the rotary drill bit or use of additional tooling for pullback, making the process time-consuming and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A pullback device is designed to be removably secured to the rotary drill bit without disassembly, featuring a frame member and anchor arms that extend between cutter elements, allowing for attachment of products without specialized tools, and a locking mechanism to stabilize the anchor arms during the pullback operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the rotary drill bit is disassembled or removed from the drill string to attach a pullback device, then the pullback operation can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional tooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepullback operation efficiencyVSAvoidtime to attach pullback device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pullback device is merged with the rotary drill bit by directly attaching the anchor arms to the cutter cones, eliminating the need to disassemble or remove the drill bit. This integration allows the pullback operation to be performed using the existing drill bit structure, significantly reducing attachment time and eliminating the need for additional tooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary drill bit is given multiple functions: it serves both as a drilling tool and as a mounting structure for the pullback device. The cutter cones of the drill bit are utilized to support the anchor arms, allowing the same component to fulfill both drilling and pullback operations without requiring specialized additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the pullback device is attached without disassembling the rotary drill bit, then the process is quicker and requires less tooling, but the anchor arms must be stabilized to prevent cutter cone dislodgment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pullback device attachmentVSAvoidrisk of cutter cone dislodgment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor arms are pre-configured with positioning features that align with corresponding features on the cutter cones before attachment. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the pullback device is attached, the anchor arms are immediately stabilized in the correct position, preventing cutter cone dislodgment during the pullback operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning features act as intermediaries between the anchor arms and the cutter cones, providing a stable connection that prevents direct dislodgment. These features serve as a mechanical interface that secures the anchor arms to the cutter cones, ensuring reliability while allowing easy attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10900294B2Pullback system for drilling tool

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 VERMEER MFG CO

AI summary

A pullback system for installing product in a hole includes a rotary drill bit having a plurality of cutter elements, and a pullback device that is attachable to the rotary drill bit without disassembling the rotary drill bit or removing the rotary drill bit from a drill string. The pullback device includes a frame member and a plurality of anchor arms. Each anchor arm has a first end coupled to the frame member and a second end. Each anchor arm is configured to extend between adjacent cutter elements of the rotary drill bit. An attachment location can be used to attach product to the pullback device.