Valve Sealing Element for Ground-Drilling Device Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground-drilling devices face contamination issues due to non-sealed connections, leading to overpressure and negative pressure imbalances that allow external substances to enter, causing wear and reducing mobility.
Innovation Solution
A ground-drilling device with a sealing element configured as a valve that opens to release overpressure and closes to prevent negative pressure, using a slanted sealing lip and ventilation openings to control pressure compensation and prevent contamination entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the annular gap between the ring shaped shoulder and the inner wall of the basic body is not sealed, then pressure compensation between the free space and the working chamber occurs, but contaminations can enter the free space through the non-sealed support, increasing wear and reducing mobility
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the free space and the environment. This sealing element selectively allows pressure compensation while blocking contamination entry, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of pressure equalization and contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element functions as a flexible barrier that can deform to allow pressure equalization while maintaining its sealing function to prevent contamination. The flexible nature of the sealing element enables it to adapt to pressure changes while maintaining the seal
2Productivity
If the drill head is moved quickly into its front position, then productivity is improved, but a negative pressure is generated that draws contaminations into the free space
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element acts as a mediator that allows the rapid movement of the drill head for high productivity while preventing the negative pressure from drawing contaminations into the free space. The sealing element blocks the contamination pathway while allowing pressure equalization
3Productivity
If the drill head is moved quickly into its front position, then productivity is improved, but wear of movable components increases due to contaminations
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element serves as a protective intermediary that enables high-speed drilling for improved productivity while simultaneously protecting the movable components from contamination-induced wear, thus maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element converts the potentially harmful effect of rapid drill head movement (which creates negative pressure and draws in contaminations) into a beneficial situation by allowing the rapid movement while blocking the contamination pathway, thus enabling high productivity without increased wear
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 sealing element effectively prevents contamination entry while allowing pressure compensation, enhancing the durability and mobility of the drill head by maintaining a clean environment and ensuring efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element is configured as valve element, which opens when an overpressure is present in the free space to establish a pressure compensation, and which is closed when an negative pressure is present in the free space to prevent a pressure compensation
Data Source
AI summary
A ground-drilling device includes a basic body and a drill head movably mounted in relation thereto in the longitudinally axial direction, wherein a free space, which is variable in its size owing to the movable mounting, is formed between the drill head and the basic body, and a sealing element for sealing the free space with respect to the environment, wherein the sealing element is designed as a valve element which opens when an overpressure is present inside the clearance, in order to produce a pressure compensation, and which is closed when a negative pressure is present inside the clearance, in order to prevent a pressure compensation.