Segmented Conveyor Helix for Easier Drill Cuttings Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling devices face challenges in efficiently transporting cuttings away from the drill head, particularly in handheld power tools, and require costly or complex replacement of worn-out conveyor helix components.

Innovation Solution

A drilling device with a conveyor helix divided into segments allows for easy and quick replacement of individual segments, utilizing plastic material for reduced noise and weight, and positive engagement with the drill body for secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the conveyor helix is made as a single complete component, then it provides continuous cutting transport capability, but replacement becomes costly and complex when worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement of conveyor helixVSAvoidstructure of conveyor helix
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor helix is divided into multiple individual segments that can be replaced independently. Each segment is a separate component that threads onto the drill body shaft, allowing selective replacement of only worn segments rather than the entire conveyor helix assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the conveyor helix is made of metal material, then it provides durability and strength, but it increases noise and weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and weightVSAvoiddurability of conveyor helix
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The material of the conveyor helix segments is changed from metal to plastic. This parameter change reduces both noise and weight while maintaining sufficient durability for the application. The plastic material provides adequate strength for transporting cuttings without the harmful effects of metal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the conveyor helix segments are tightly connected, then it provides continuous transport surface, but it complicates assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassemblyVSAvoidcontinuity of transport surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor helix is segmented into discrete sections that thread independently onto the drill body. The segments are positioned adjacently to form a continuous transport surface during operation, but can be easily separated for maintenance or replacement without complex connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3803026B1Drilling device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HILTI AG
  • EP3803026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3803026B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3803026B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a drilling device, comprising a main drill body and a removal helix which extends helically around the main drill body, said removal helix being subdivided into a plurality of juxtaposed removal helix segments.