18431660. HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE simplified abstract (Vermeer Manufacturing Company)
Contents
- 1 HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Original Abstract Submitted
HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Jacob Rewerts of Altoona IA (US)
Zach Buckley of Ankeny IA (US)
Robert D. Franz of Independence IA (US)
HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18431660 titled 'HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes a patent application for a horizontal directional drilling machine with a hydraulic motor that can switch between drive and freewheel modes.
- The drill string rotational drive unit includes a hydraulic motor for driving rotation.
- The hydraulic circuit allows the motor to apply torque in drive mode and disables torque in freewheel mode.
- Two fluid flow paths connect the motor to the drive pump, controlled by rotary ball valves.
- In drive mode, there is no pressure drop across the rotary ball valves.
Potential Applications
This technology can be used in the construction industry for horizontal directional drilling projects, such as laying utility lines or pipelines underground.
Problems Solved
This innovation solves the problem of efficiently controlling the torque applied to the drill string during horizontal directional drilling operations.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include improved control over drilling operations, increased efficiency, and reduced wear and tear on equipment.
Potential Commercial Applications
Potential commercial applications of this technology include construction companies specializing in horizontal directional drilling, equipment manufacturers, and companies involved in infrastructure development.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be existing horizontal directional drilling machines with hydraulic motors, but without the specific hydraulic circuit configuration described in the patent application.
What are the specific technical specifications of the hydraulic motor used in this drilling machine?
The specific technical specifications of the hydraulic motor used in this drilling machine are not provided in the abstract. Further details on the motor's size, power output, and efficiency would be needed to fully understand its capabilities.
How does the hydraulic circuit ensure smooth transitions between drive and freewheel modes?
The abstract does not detail how the hydraulic circuit ensures smooth transitions between drive and freewheel modes. Additional information on the control mechanisms or feedback systems involved in the switching process would be necessary to answer this question accurately.
Original Abstract Submitted
A horizontal directional drilling machine includes a drill string rotational drive unit having an output member configured to connect with and selectively drive rotation of a drill string, the rotational drive unit including a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic circuit has a configuration that puts the motor in a drive mode to apply torque and a second configuration that puts the motor in a freewheel mode disabled from applying torque. The hydraulic circuit includes a first fluid flow path for connecting the hydraulic motor through a first rotary ball valve to one of an inlet side and an outlet side of a drive pump, and a second fluid flow path for selectively connecting the hydraulic motor through a second rotary ball valve to the other side of the drive pump. In the first configuration, there is no pressure drop across the first and second rotary ball valves.
