Predetermined Failure Mechanism in a Degradation System

Abstract

In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation system comprises a driving mechanism. A holder assembly is connected to the driving mechanism. A pick is connected to both the driving mechanism and the holder assembly. At least one predetermined point of failure is configured in the holder assembly to dissipate the force on the pick when the tip of the pick is overloaded.

1 . A degradation system, comprising:
 a holder assembly connected to the driving mechanism;   a pick connected to the driving mechanism and the holder assembly; and   at least one shear pin configured to dissipate the force on the pick when a tip of the pick is overloaded.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tip comprises sintered polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a shank of the pick is press fit into the holder assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pick comprises a front section that rotates independent of the shank. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a shank of the pick rotates within the holder assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the shear pin secure the holder assembly to the driving mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the shear pin attaches the pick to the holder assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the shank is secured in a channel formed in the holder assembly; the channel is deeper than the length of the pick's shank providing space for the pick to translate down into and providing protection for the pick from extreme applied forces. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the holder assembly completely detaches from the driving mechanism when the degradation system experiences detrimental forces. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a first portion of the holder assembly and/or driving mechanism comprises a pivot pin that connects the holder assembly to the driving mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein a second portion of the holder assembly is connected by a failure mechanism to the driving mechanism. Rotation of the holder assembly may occur about the pivot pin and around the driving mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein a recess is formed inside the driving mechanism proximate the holder assembly and the pivot. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein an inner face of the recess comprises a magnet to restrain the holder assembly when pivoted inside the recess. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein a face of the recess comprises a latch to restrain the holder assembly when pivoted inside the recess 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the degradation system is a milling machine. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the degradation system is a downhole drilling string. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the degradation system is a trencher. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the degradation system is a mining machine.