Variable-Diameter Guide Bushing for Automated Drill Bit Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling equipment requires manual intervention for guide bushing removal and drill bit changes, posing safety risks to operators and causing equipment downtime, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A variable diameter guide bushing device that allows automatic drill bit changes by adjusting its diameter to accommodate the drill string, featuring a central body with roller elements and cam assemblies to guide and support the drill string without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed diameter guide bushing is used, then the drill string is properly guided during drilling, but the drill bit cannot be changed without removing the bushing manually
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bushing structure is transformed from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adjustable one. The bushing can change its internal diameter to accommodate different drill bit sizes, allowing the drill bit to be changed without removing the bushing. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling easy drill bit changes while maintaining proper guidance during drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The key parameter of the guide bushing (internal diameter) is made variable rather than fixed. By changing the diameter parameter of the bushing, the system can adapt to different drill bit sizes. This parameter change allows the drill bit to pass through during change operations while maintaining proper guidance when drilling, thus resolving the operational contradiction.
2Productivity
If manual removal of the guide bushing is required for drill bit changes, then the drilling operation can be paused for bit changes, but operator safety is compromised and equipment downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bushing structure enables self-service drill bit changes without requiring operator intervention for bushing removal. The adjustable diameter mechanism allows the drill bit to be changed in place while the bushing remains installed, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy bushings. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining equipment utilization while eliminating safety risks to operators.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the guide bushing diameter matches the drill string diameter for proper guidance, then the drill bit with larger diameter cannot pass through during change operations
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bushing transitions from a static fixed-diameter structure to a dynamic adjustable-diameter structure. During drilling operations, the bushing maintains a smaller diameter to provide stable guidance for the drill string. During drill bit changes, the bushing diameter is increased to accommodate the larger drill bit. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between guidance stability and bit change adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bushing is designed to perform multiple functions: providing stable guidance during drilling operations and accommodating larger drill bits during change operations. By making the diameter adjustable, a single bushing structure can serve both purposes, eliminating the need for separate guidance and change mechanisms. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stable guidance and versatile adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a variable-diameter guide bushing device for drilling equipment, for changing the bits or tricones of the drill strings, replacing the guide bushing that is commonly found at the drilling deck. The guide bushing device has a diameter that is variable at will, such that it enables the drill bit of the drill string to be changed with ease.