18431682. HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE simplified abstract (Vermeer Manufacturing Company)

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HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE

Organization Name

Vermeer Manufacturing Company

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 18431682 titled 'HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a horizontal directional drilling machine with a hydraulic motor that can switch between drive mode and freewheel mode using a hydraulic circuit.

  • The machine includes a drill string rotational drive unit with a hydraulic motor.
  • 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 through rotary ball valves.
  • In drive mode, there is no pressure drop across the rotary ball valves.

Potential Applications

This technology can be used in various industries such as construction, mining, and oil and gas for horizontal directional drilling operations.

Problems Solved

1. Efficiently switching between drive and freewheel modes. 2. Controlling torque application in a drilling machine.

Benefits

1. Improved control and efficiency in drilling operations. 2. Reduced wear and tear on equipment. 3. Enhanced safety for operators.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimizing drilling processes in construction projects for increased productivity and cost savings.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be hydraulic drilling machines with similar torque control mechanisms used in the construction and mining industries.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to traditional drilling machines in terms of efficiency and performance?

This article does not provide a direct comparison between this technology and traditional drilling machines in terms of efficiency and performance. Further research or testing may be needed to determine the advantages of this innovation over existing technologies.

What are the potential maintenance requirements for this hydraulic drilling machine?

The article does not address the potential maintenance requirements for this hydraulic drilling machine. Understanding the maintenance needs of this technology is crucial for its long-term viability and cost-effectiveness.


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.