Drilling Mud Suction Device Self-Cleaning Terminal Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suction devices for drilling muds face frequent obstruction of circumferential openings due to large debris, leading to reduced operational efficiency and the need for manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with a terminal element featuring a plurality of circumferential openings, where each opening is cleaned by a protrusion integral with the cylindrical body as the terminal element rotates, preventing debris accumulation and maintaining operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plate-shaped cleaning elements with radial extensions are used to clean the openings, then the openings are kept clean from debris, but the cleaning elements are subject to premature wear and require frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing the cleaning elements as simple, replaceable protrusions that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Instead of using complex motorized shafts with plate-shaped elements, the invention uses simple protrusions that extend into the openings and can be replaced quickly when worn, minimizing downtime and maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from a complex motorized system and implements it through simple protrusions integral to or attached on the terminal element. This simplification removes the need for motorized shafts and complex mechanisms, allowing the cleaning function to be performed by passive protrusions that are replaced when worn
2Device complexity
If the terminal element is fixed and integral with the main structure, then the structure is simple and robust, but the openings are at risk of frequent obstruction by debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by making the terminal element rotatable about its longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability allows the terminal element to actively clean its own openings by rotating, preventing debris accumulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The rotation can be driven by fluid flow or external mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cleaning function with the terminal element itself by integrating protrusions directly onto the terminal element. This combination eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and simplifies the overall structure while ensuring the openings remain clear of debris
3Productivity
If circumferential openings are provided in the terminal element, then drilling mud can be effectively sampled, but the openings are prone to obstruction by large debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by providing protrusions at specific locations on the terminal element that extend into the openings. These localized features create different flow patterns and cleaning actions at different points, allowing effective debris removal while maintaining adequate mud sampling through the openings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the terminal element rotatable to dynamically clean the openings. This rotation prevents static debris accumulation and maintains opening patency while allowing continuous mud sampling, thus resolving the contradiction between sampling efficiency and opening cleanliness
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 suction device maintains unobstructed openings for a longer period without requiring operator intervention, ensuring continuous and efficient operation of the survey and analysis system.
Implementation Method 1
each protrusion cleans a respective one of said openings during a rotation of said terminal element
Data Source
AI summary
Suction device for subsoil drilling rigs, comprising: a main body, having at least one internally hollow cylindrical body; a rotary actuator associated with the main body; a rotation shaft extending within the cylindrical body. The rotation shaft is interlocked with the rotary actuator and has an end portion axially protruding from the cylindrical body. The device further comprises a terminal element, mounted on the end portion of the rotation shaft and having a plurality of circumferential openings putting the inside of the cylindrical body in fluidic communication with the outside environment. The suction device further comprises a cleaning device. The cleaning device comprises a plurality of protrusions substantially integral with the cylindrical body; each protrusion extends into a respective one of said openings, thus cleaning such openings during a rotation of said terminal element.