Adjustable Peripheral Cutter Mechanism for Shield Machine Diameter Variation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tunnel boring machines are limited to boring tunnels of fixed diameters, requiring dangerous and costly manual adjustments by engineers and technicians, and cannot adapt to varying environmental or engineering circumstances.
Innovation Solution
A cutting device for a tunnel boring machine featuring a cutting head with adjustable peripheral cutters driven by a hydraulic system and a dissipation monitoring system, allowing for real-time adjustment of the boring diameter and alerting operators when cutter dissipation exceeds a threshold, enabling safe and efficient tunnel diameter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tunnel boring machines use fixed-size cutting heads and cutting tools, then manufacturing and initial setup are simplified, but the machine cannot adapt to varying tunnel diameter requirements, requiring dangerous manual entry for adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting head incorporates adjustable cutting tools that can be moved radially inward or outward along guide rails. The cutting tool position is dynamically adjustable through a hydraulic cylinder system that allows the cutting tools to be repositioned between different radial positions, enabling the same cutting head to accommodate different tunnel diameters without manual entry required
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting head is designed with multi-functional capability to bore tunnels of multiple diameters using the same cutting head structure. By combining fixed and adjustable cutting tools with the hydraulic positioning system, a single cutting head can serve multiple diameter requirements, eliminating the need for different cutting heads for different tunnel sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If engineers and technicians manually enter the tunnel to change cutting tools, then tunnel diameter can be altered, but worker safety is compromised and construction time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting head incorporates an automated hydraulic cylinder system that can reposition the cutting tools radially without external intervention. The system uses hydraulic pressure to automatically move the cutting tools between different radial positions, allowing the machine to adjust its own cutting configuration without requiring engineers or technicians to enter the tunnel
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated hydraulic control system. The hydraulic cylinders provide the mechanical force needed to move the cutting tools radially, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustment with an automated fluid-powered system that can be controlled from outside the tunnel
3Manufacturing precision
If cutting tools are made fixed and predetermined, then manufacturing precision and initial setup are improved, but flexibility to alter cutting configuration during construction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting head is segmented into fixed cutting tools and adjustable cutting tools that can be independently positioned. The adjustable cutting tools are mounted on movable carriers that can be repositioned radially along guide rails, allowing precise positioning while maintaining the ability to adapt to different tunnel diameter requirements during construction
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances flexibility and safety during construction by allowing on-site adjustment of tunnel diameters without manual entry, reducing construction time and costs while ensuring quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the hydraulic control system comprises a hydraulic tank arranged to drive the peripheral driving mechanism to move for driving the peripheral cutter to move correspondingly
Implementation Method 2
the motion sensor is provided on the piston member, wherein the motion sensor is electrically connected to the connector through a plurality of electrical wires
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting device includes a cutting head, a plurality of peripheral cutters mounted on the cutting head, at least one peripheral cutter driving mechanism, a hydraulic control system, and a dissipation monitoring system, wherein the cutting head has at least one groove, wherein the peripheral cutters are symmetrically mounted on the cutting head at two sides of the groove, wherein the peripheral cutters are connected with the peripheral cutter driving mechanism which is provided on the groove, wherein the hydraulic control system includes a hydraulic tank arranged to drive the peripheral driving mechanism to move for driving the peripheral cutter to move correspondingly, wherein the hydraulic control system further includes a connector, a motion sensor electrically connected to the connector through a plurality of electrical wires, wherein the connector is communicated with the hydraulic tank through a plurality of transmission tubes and a fluid outlet.