Blunt faced cutter element and enhanced drill bit and cutting structure

摘要

The cutter element includes a rounded apex offset from the center line of the insert and having a relatively broad and blunt front face and a narrower, more rounded rear face. The cutter element may be disposed in the outermost inner row of a rolling cone cutter of a bit with the broader front face facing the borehole side wall so as to resist off center wear and resultant bit whirl. When placed in inner rows and oriented with the broader and flatter front face being the first portion of the cutting surface to engage the borehole, enhancements in bit durability may be achieved, particularly when drilling through formations of multiple hardness.