Curved contact portion on engaging elements for rotary type drag bits

摘要

An improvement in the design of engaging elements for drag type rotary drill bits is disclosed which consists of forming the abrasive-faced contact portion into curved shapes. An advantage of this engaging element is provided by the curved surface's tendency to direct the loosened material to the side of the contact portion. This self-cleaning action extends the life of engaging elements by reducing unnecessary regrinding of the already loosened material and by improving the engaging elements' ability to dissipate heat. Another advantage of this engaging element is that as it passes through the material the curved surface will exert stresses on the material differing in magnitude, direction and/or type at each point of the curve and thereby produce increased straining of the material. An increased straining of the material is especially desirable when drilling in shale or other plastic formations since it causes increased chipping of the material which aids in the removal of the material from the hole. The distal surface of the contact portion of these engaging elements is not coated with the abrasive and therefore will wear away in controlled fashion relative to the abrasive faced contact portion making the cutting edges of the contact portion self-sharpening.