Concrete Weep-Hole Drilling With Pressurized Debris Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating weep holes in concrete structures result in debris accumulation that blocks the hole, rendering it ineffective, especially when drilling partially cured concrete.
Innovation Solution
A drilling apparatus with a drill bit and internal fluid passageway that uses pressurized fluid to eject debris away from the weep hole during and after drilling, ensuring the hole remains clear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional drilling method is used to create weep hole, then hole formation is achieved, but debris accumulates and blocks the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful debris from the weep hole by introducing pressurized fluid through the drill bit to eject concrete particles away from the drilled hole, preventing blockage and maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using pressurized fluid (water or air) delivered through the drill bit to create a jet that removes debris from the weep hole, solving the blockage problem through fluid dynamics
2Ease of operation
If drilling is performed on partially cured concrete, then drilling effort is reduced, but debris falls back into the hole before curing completes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary debris removal action during the drilling process itself by continuously ejecting particles with pressurized fluid, preventing them from falling into the hole before the concrete fully cures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the pressurized fluid flowing throughout the drilling operation, ensuring debris is constantly removed and the hole remains clear throughout the entire process
3Loss of substance
If drill bit flutes lift and deposit debris adjacent to drilling area, then material removal is achieved, but debris surrounds and blocks the newly drilled hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pressurized fluid as an intermediary substance that carries debris away from the drilled hole, replacing the conventional flute mechanism that merely deposits debris adjacent to the hole
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical debris removal system (drill bit flutes) with a fluid-based system (pressurized water or air jet) that effectively ejects debris from the weep hole area
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 method effectively prevents debris from obstructing the weep hole, maintaining its functionality and allowing the concrete to cure without additional drilling, thus preventing water accumulation and structural damage.
Implementation Method 1
A drilling apparatus with a drill bit and internal fluid passageway that uses pressurized fluid to eject debris away from the weep hole during and after drilling
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for creating a weep hole in an uncured, concrete, hollow core structural component having one or more external surfaces and one or more internal surfaces. The weep hole is drilled using a drilling apparatus comprising a drill, a rotating drill bit with an internal fluid passageway, a power source, and a pressurized fluid source. Loose, uncured concrete material deposited near the weep hole on the one or more internal surface as a result of drilling the weep hole is removed by releasing pressurized fluid which flows from the pressurized fluid source, through the drill and the rotating drill bit.