Convertible Cutting Wheel Teeth for Diaphragm Wall Milling Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diaphragm wall cutters with conventional cutting wheels face issues in efficiently milling soil areas directly below the end shield, leading to potential damage or deflection, especially in softer and harder soils, and require time-consuming wheel replacements.
Innovation Solution
A cutting wheel design with a fixing device that allows folding teeth to be secured in a fixed position, replacing them with fixed teeth as needed, and a method to convert between folding and fixed teeth, using locking mechanisms to stabilize the teeth on the bearing pin, thereby enabling efficient milling operations across varying soil conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If folding teeth are mounted on the cutting wheel to work off soil areas below the end shield, then the end shield is protected from damage, but the rotational speed is limited and wear on the cam control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the teeth pivotable between a folded position (for protecting the end shield) and a working position (for efficient milling). The holder with bearing blocks allows the teeth to rotate freely during operation, then be locked in place when needed, combining both protective and high-speed milling capabilities without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of tooth position from fixed to variable. By introducing a locking mechanism that can fix the tooth in different positions (folded or extended), the system adapts its geometry dynamically based on operational requirements, allowing high rotational speeds when protection is not needed while maintaining protection capability when required
2Productivity
If folding teeth are removed to increase rotational speed, then milling efficiency improves, but the ability to protect the end shield and work off underlying soil is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the tooth configuration dynamic rather than static. The teeth can be rotated to a folded position to protect the end shield during high-speed operation, then extended to a working position to remove underlying soil, allowing the system to achieve both high productivity and protection capability as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the holder and bearing block system to accommodate teeth that can perform multiple functions: protecting the end shield, working off underlying soil, and maintaining structural integrity. This single component system replaces the need for separate protective devices and removal tools
3Productivity
If different cutting wheels are used for different soil types, then milling performance is optimized, but replacement time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the cutting wheel into modular components: the hub, the holders with bearing blocks, and the teeth. This allows the teeth to be independently replaced or adjusted without replacing the entire wheel assembly, significantly reducing replacement time and labor while maintaining optimized performance for different soil types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the tooth configuration (number, position, orientation) without changing the fundamental wheel structure. By adjusting these parameters through the bearing block system, the cutting wheel can be adapted to different soil conditions without complete replacement, saving time and resources
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cutting wheel for a diaphragm wall cutter, with a drum-shaped hub, on the outer circumference of which there are arranged receptacles for cutting teeth and at least one holder for a folding tooth, wherein the holder has a bearing pin as a pivot axis for pivotably and releasably holding the folding tooth. According to the invention, it is provided that a fixing device is arranged on the holder and is configured to hold a fixed tooth mounted on the bearing pin in a fixed position.