Vibrating Drill Pipe as Reinforcing Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for producing reinforced structures in the ground, such as piles and micropiles, are slow due to the need for multiple tools and steps like drilling, grouting, and introducing reinforcing elements, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method using a drill pipe with a cutter and vibration means to drill a borehole, where the drill pipe serves as both a drilling tool and a reinforcing element by being embedded in sealing grout, reducing the need for separate steps and tools, and optimizing vibration frequency for efficient drilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional methods are used with separate tools for drilling, grouting, and introducing reinforcing elements, then each step can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall production speed is slow due to multiple sequential steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speed of reinforced structuresVSAvoidnumber of separate tools and steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drill pipe with the reinforcing element by leaving the drill pipe in place after drilling. The drill pipe serves dual purposes: as a drilling tool during construction and as the final reinforcing element in the structure, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing element installation steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drill pipe is designed to perform multiple functions: drilling through the ground to create the borehole, serving as a guide conduit for pumping drilling fluid and sealing grout, and finally acting as the reinforcing element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate operations required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If vibration means are applied to the drill pipe during drilling, then penetration efficiency and drilling speed are improved, but the complexity of the drilling device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling speed and penetration efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of drilling device
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates vibration means that generate longitudinal vibrations in the drill pipe during drilling operations. These vibrations reduce friction and resistance between the drill pipe and ground, significantly improving penetration efficiency and drilling speed, particularly in difficult ground conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Loss of time

If the drill pipe is used as both drilling tool and reinforcing element, then the number of steps is reduced and speed is improved, but the drill pipe must perform multiple functions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for sequential operationsVSAvoidmulti-functionality of drill pipe
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drill pipe is designed with universal functionality to perform drilling, fluid conveyance, and structural reinforcement. The same component executes multiple tasks in sequence without requiring replacement or additional equipment, thereby eliminating time losses between operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If drilling fluid and sealing grout are pumped through the drill pipe, then the drill pipe serves as a guide conduit improving efficiency, but the drill pipe design must accommodate fluid flow requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of grout injectionVSAvoiddrill pipe design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drill pipe is designed to function as both a structural reinforcing element and a fluid conveyance system. The hollow interior and distal openings enable efficient pumping of drilling fluid and sealing grout directly to the borehole bottom, while the pipe itself remains as the final reinforcement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method significantly speeds up the production of reinforced structures by combining drilling and grouting processes, improving penetration and coating efficiency, and allowing for faster installation of reinforced structures in the ground.

Implementation Method 1

a drill bit is provided comprising a drill pipe having a distal end which carries a cutter, and means for vibrating the drill pipe; a borehole is drilled in the ground using the drill tool by vibrating the drill pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2900876B1Method of making a reinforced structure in the ground
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET SAS
  • EP2900876B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2900876B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP2900876B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a reinforced structure in the ground, in which: a drilling tool (10) is provided, which includes a drilling tube (12) and a means (20) for vibrating the drilling tube (12); a drill-hole (F) is made in the ground (S) by means of the drilling tool (10) by vibrating the drilling tube (12); once the drilling tube (12) has reached the predetermined depth, a sealing grout (C) is injected into the drilling tube in order to embed the drilling tube (12) in the sealing grout (C); and then the drilling tube is detached from the drilling tool, thus resulting in a reinforced structure provided with a reinforcing element consisting of the drilling tube.