Wedge-Finger Core Extractor for Drilled Holes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting cores from drilled holes are inefficient and prone to accidents, as they often require the use of the drill, which can cause damage and delays, and existing apparatuses are cumbersome and unreliable, especially for wide diameter cores.
Innovation Solution
A core extracting device with a cylindrical outer casing and inner grabber featuring peripheral fingers with wedges that automatically grip and extract the core when raised, eliminating the need for the drill and preventing core drop-back into the hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chains or cables are used to lift cores, then the core can be extracted, but the chains or cables can slip off causing the core to drop back in the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The extracting device is lowered into the hole and, upon raising the apparatus, automatically secures and extracts the core without requiring manual intervention to attach lifting mechanisms. The system serves itself by converting the lifting motion into automatic core engagement through the wedge-finger mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional chain or cable lifting system with a mechanical wedge-finger gripping system. The fingers with wedges mechanically engage the core through a taper mechanism, eliminating the need for flexible lifting elements that can slip.
2Productivity
If suction methods are used to extract cores, then the core can be removed, but the process is time consuming and requires creating thick drilling mud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core extraction function from the drilling process itself. The dedicated extracting device is lowered into the hole and removes the core mechanically, separating this function from the drill and eliminating the need for drilling mud preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for hydraulic suction systems and thick drilling mud by using a purely mechanical wedge-finger gripping system that relies on mechanical advantage rather than fluid dynamics.
3Productivity
If the drill is used to extract the core, then the core can be removed, but the drill may be damaged resulting in delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core extraction function from the drilling system. A separate, dedicated extracting device is used to remove the core, preventing any risk of damage to the drill while maintaining efficient core removal operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional grabbing apparatus are used for wide diameter cores, then the core can be extracted, but the apparatus are cumbersome and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The extracting device features an inner grabber assembly nested within an outer casing. The fingers with wedges are nested within the casing, and the entire assembly is designed to be compact yet adaptable to different core diameters through the wedge-finger mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including the slidable inner grabber that moves between release and gripping conditions, and the wedge-finger mechanism that automatically adjusts to engage the core. This dynamic design provides adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-size apparatus.
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 device securely and efficiently extracts cores without damaging the drill, reducing extraction time and project delays, and is suitable for wide diameter cores, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge provided along an outer surface of each finger of the plurality of fingers, wherein each wedge nests in a respective taper of the plurality of tapers in the release condition
Data Source
AI summary
A core extracting apparatus and method is provided. The annular core extracting apparatus may be dimensioned so as to be lowered into the core groove circumscribing a drilled core. The core extracting apparatus has a cylindrical outer casing encasing a cylindrical inner grabber in a release condition, wherein the inner grabber is adapted to move from the release condition to a gripping condition as the outer casing is lifted from the core groove. The inner grabber provides a plurality of peripheral fingers, each finger providing a wedge along its outer surface, wherein the release condition each wedge nests in a taper provided by the outer casing so that when the inner grabber moves to the gripping condition the wedge interfaces with the outer casing to urge the fingers inward, gripping the core and extracting it from the drilling hole.