Cutting elements with enhanced stiffness and arrangements thereof on earth boring drill bits

Abstract

A cutting element having a substantially planar table of superhard material mounted on a substrate or backing. The superhard material table, the substrate, or an insert placed between those two components provides additional stiffness to the cutting element and resistance to bending and impact loading experienced by the cutting element when drilling a formation. The additional stiffness reduces fracture of the table of superhard material and, if the reinforcing member or portion is formed of an abrasion and erosion resistant material, the cutting element will wear linearly at a reduced rate due to the enhanced volume of such material. The thicker or reinforced portion of the cutting element extends linearly, and if the cutting element is circular, extends diametrically. Cooperative arrangements of such cutting elements are also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.