Compact machine for horizontal directional drilling

A review of the data provided by the startup served as the starting point for the construction of the hydrodrilling tool and high-pressure oil pump station for it. They performed a number of tests to determine if their device actually worked before getting in touch with us. In fact, they handled the proof-of-concept stage by themselves. The startup came with the test results for the device, which we double-checked with the help of special software. The findings served as the foundation for creating the industrial design.

A controlled puncture unit that could penetrate the ground without a pit, pull pipes, and turn with a lower turning radius than the hydrodrilling tool was built by the Customer and given to us for study. Its trajectory was managed through the use of a wire and a 3-axis gyroscope. 

When developing the industrial design, it was important to incorporate components’ arrangement solution that would ensure the hydrodrilling tool's reliability and stability in the field conditions. As a result, we designed a hydrodrilling cylinder with a cone attached to the rod, and the hydrodrilling cylinder body, which houses the air vessel tubes for expansion, as well as a special expanding protective cover. The expanding protective cover is a dense unreinforced rubber hose.

A clear understanding of the product's commercial objectives provides engineers with a focal point to concentrate on while designing a new product. We purposefully avoided adding any more functionality or complex design because doing so would hinder the user experience. Instead, we enlarged the diameter of the hydrodrilling tool’s rod and applied heat treatment. The hydraulic machine's body was constructed using welding. Through these methods, its strength, wear resistance, and usability were all improved, which was one of the Customer's commercial objectives.

The startup team came up with a lot of different ways to control the hydrodrilling tool. They proposed developing a directional piercing module that was all electric, and they also offered a device with a fully hydraulic system. They even considered attaching a mini-hydro station. This led to the creation of a combined hydraulic station by our Customer-inventor, which included a small oil pump, an oil tank, and a hydraulic distributor. We evaluated the technical feasibility and cost of the ideas, provided feedback to the Customer so they could make an informed decision about the development of the project. After considering the Customer’s proposals, we decided to use the high-pressure oil pump station as the actuator for the directional puncture module. With its assistance the device can move in various types of soil.

As a result, we designed a compact high-pressure oil pump station with a frame that shields the working parts from unintentional damage. Such a design allows a user to connect it to the home power supply, as any power tool, to produce the high-pressure oil pump station with minimal cost, which corresponds to the stated business goal of the Customer.