Innovative cutting element and cutting structure using same

A drill bit comprising:

• a bit body;
• a plurality of blades extending from the bit body, wherein each blade has a leading face, a top side, and a trailing face;
• at least one slot formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, wherein the at least one slot comprises two side surfaces, each of the two side surfaces comprising a planar portion, and each of the two side surfaces terminating at the leading face and top side of the blade;
• a cutting element comprising a diamond shearing element having a plurality of surfaces, wherein each surface has two dimensional values, and wherein the cutting element is positioned in the at least one slot such that a plane in which the longest dimensional value is substantially parallel with the slot side surfaces;
• and
• at least one mechanical retention mechanism adjacent to the cutting element,
• wherein the cutting element is rotationally fixed with respect to the at least one slot.

A drill bit comprising:

• a bit body;
• a plurality of blades extending from the bit body, wherein each blade has a leading face, a top side, and a trailing face;
• at least one slot formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, wherein the at least one slot comprises two side surfaces, each of the two side surfaces comprising a planar portion, and each of the two side surfaces terminating at the leading face and top side of the blade;
• a diamond cutting element having a plurality of surfaces, wherein each surface has two dimensional values, and wherein the diamond cutting element is positioned in the at least one slot such that a plane in which the shortest dimensional value lies does not interface the slot side surfaces;
• and
• at least one mechanical retention mechanism adjacent to the diamond cutting element,
• wherein the diamond cutting element is rotationally fixed with respect to the at least one slot.

A method of replacing a cutting surface of a cutting element, comprising:

• providing a bit body having a plurality of blades extending from the bit body;
• wherein each blade has a leading face, a top side, and a trailing face;
• wherein at least one blade has at least one slot formed therein, wherein the at least one slot comprises two side surfaces, each of the two side surfaces comprising a planar portion, and each of the two side surfaces intersecting with the leading face and top side of the blade;
• wherein a cutting element is disposed in the at least one slot, the cutting element comprising three dimensional values, wherein each dimensional value is defined by its longest length measured between two opposite surfaces, wherein the surfaces intersect to form four edges, and wherein the cutting element is positioned in the at least one slot such that the shortest dimensional value intersects the slot side surfaces;
• and
• wherein at least one mechanical retention mechanism is adjacent to the cutting element;
• removing the at least one mechanical retention mechanism;
• removing the cutting element from the slot;
• replacing the cutting element into the slot, wherein a different surface is exposed at the intersection of the top side and leading face of the blade;
• and
• replacing the at least one mechanical retention mechanism.

A drill bit comprising:

• a bit body;
• a plurality of blades extending from the bit body, wherein each blade has a leading face, a top side, and a trailing face;
• at least one cutter pocket formed in at least one of the plurality of blades;
• at least one discrete support element comprising a slot, wherein the at least one discrete support element fits within the at least one cutter pocket such that the slot is exposed at the leading face and the top side of the blade, and wherein the slot comprises two opposite side surfaces, each of the two side surfaces comprising a planar portion and each of the two side surfaces intersecting with the leading face and top side of the blade;
• a cutting element mechanically retained in the slot, the cutting element comprising three dimensional values, wherein each dimensional value is defined by its longest length measured between two opposite surfaces, wherein the surfaces intersect to form four edges, and wherein the cutting element is positioned in the at least one slot such that the shortest dimensional value intersects the slot side surfaces.