Auger Cleaning Device Inversion for Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auger cleaning devices either require the auger to rotate during extraction, which can be hazardous, or reduce the drilling depth due to their design, failing to effectively clean the auger without compromising the drilling process.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device that includes a tool-holder support with a cleaning tool that can rotate around the auger without requiring it to rotate, allowing for debris removal without affecting the drilling depth, featuring a tool-holder support that can open to allow the rotary table to pass through and a cleaning tool that can make complete rotations around the auger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing auger cleaning devices are used, then the auger can be cleaned, but the auger must rotate during extraction which creates safety hazards and reduces drilling depth
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the auger to clean it, the cleaning tool rotates around the stationary auger. This inversion eliminates the safety hazard of rotating the auger with debris while maintaining effective cleaning through the rotating cleaning tool that engages with the auger threads.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotating cleaning tool acts as an intermediary between the stationary auger and the debris removal system. The cleaning tool rotates around the auger, engaging with the threads to remove debris without requiring the auger itself to rotate, thus eliminating safety hazards while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If existing auger cleaning devices are mounted on the tower, then cleaning can be performed, but the drilling depth is reduced due to the device occupying space
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is extracted from the tower structure and integrated directly onto the auger as a self-contained cleaning tool. This allows the cleaning mechanism to operate without occupying tower space, preserving the full drilling depth while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool is nested within the auger structure, with the cleaning tool rotating around and engaging with the auger threads. This nested configuration allows the cleaning mechanism to be compact and integrated, eliminating the need for external tower-mounted structures that would reduce drilling depth.
3Reliability
If the auger rotates during extraction for cleaning, then debris can be removed, but wear on the auger and guides increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the auger to achieve debris removal, the cleaning tool rotates around the stationary auger. This inversion transfers the rotational wear from the auger and guides to the cleaning tool, which is designed to withstand and replace more easily, thereby reducing wear on critical auger components and guides.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
In the auger cleaning device (8) according to the invention, in the closed configuration the tool-holder support forms a pass-through opening (82) arranged for allowing the passage of a helical drilling tool (6), the cleaning tool (170) engaging with the screw of the drilling tool (6) and, actuated by the actuation system (12, 12', 12", 4), is arranged for rotating around the drilling tool (6) following at least one of its threads (60) so as to remove the debris lying on the drilling tool (6). In the open configuration the cleaning tool (170) is disengaged from the drilling tool (6) and preferably farther from it, with respect to when it is in the closed configuration.