Reciprocating Drill Bit Mechanism for Low-Gravity Planetary Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary drilling requires large overhead forces, while percussive drilling has poor penetration rates in rocks and is limited to shallow depths, making existing drilling technologies unsuitable for planetary exploration due to mass constraints and low gravity conditions.
Innovation Solution
A drill design featuring a drill bit with pivotally coupled parts that utilize a cam and wedge mechanism to generate reciprocating and oscillating motions, reducing the need for overhead force through self-generated penetration force, and incorporating a motor for actuation and a sealed housing for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If rotary drilling is used, then drilling depth can be achieved, but large overhead force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies percussive vibration to the drill bit through a cam mechanism that converts rotary motion into reciprocating linear motion. This mechanical vibration reduces the overhead force required by breaking the rock through impact rather than continuous pushing, while still achieving significant drilling depth through the combined rotary and percussive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill employs periodic reciprocating motion of the drill bit parts through the cam mechanism. The drill bit alternates between extended (drilling) and retracted (reset) positions, creating periodic impact cycles that reduce the average overhead force required while maintaining effective penetration capability over time.
2Force
If percussive drilling is used, then overhead force requirement is reduced, but penetration rate in rocks is poor and limited to shallow depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges rotary drilling and percussive drilling into a single hybrid system. The drill bit simultaneously performs rotary motion (for depth penetration) and reciprocating percussive motion (for reduced overhead force). This combination allows the drill to achieve both shallow-depth effectiveness and deep-drilling capability with lower overhead force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit parts are designed to dynamically change their configuration during operation. The first and second drill parts slide relative to each other along guided paths, changing their positions between extended and retracted states. This dynamic movement allows the drill to adapt its geometry during the drilling cycle, optimizing both penetration rate and overhead force requirements.
3Force
If rotary-percussive drill is used, then overhead requirement is reduced and drilling depth is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it converts rotary motor motion into reciprocating linear motion of the drill bit parts, provides the percussive impact action, and guides the complex sliding movements of the drill bit components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity and mass while achieving rotary-percussive drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit is designed with nested components where the first and second drill parts are housed within each other or alongside each other in a compact arrangement. The pivotal coupling and sliding mechanisms allow these parts to be stored in a compact retracted position and deployed to extended position during operation, reducing the overall size and mass of the drilling system.
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 drill achieves enhanced penetration rates and reduced drilling time and power consumption, providing a compact and lightweight solution suitable for planetary exploration by combining reciprocating and oscillating motions, thus overcoming the limitations of existing drilling technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a cam engaged with the first member and the second member, wherein the first and second members act as followers to slide the parts of the drill bit in a reciprocating motion with respect to each other
Implementation Method 2
a wedge comprising a first angled surface engaged with the first member and a second angled surface engaged with the second member, the wedge configured to urge the drill bit to pivot in a first direction when the first member is moved towards the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A drill comprising a drill bit comprising a first drill part and a second drill part configured to slide relative to each other, wherein the first and second drill parts are pivotally coupled at one end to a first member and a second member respectively; a cam engaged with the first member and the second member, wherein the first and second members act as followers to slide the parts of the drill bit in a reciprocating motion with respect to each other, between a retracted and an extended position; and a wedge comprising a first angled surface engaged with the first member and a second angled surface engaged with the second member, the wedge configured to urge the drill bit to pivot in a first direction when the first member is moved towards the retracted position and to pivot in a second direction when the second member is moved towards the retracted position.