Core Drill Bit Slit Antenna for Reliable Transponder Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing core drill bits with transponders for setting operational parameters are prone to damage under rough working conditions due to inefficient radio signal communication, which affects their reliability and durability.

Innovation Solution

The core drill bit incorporates a robust slit antenna integrated into the tubular shaft, which enhances signal strength and protects the transponder by positioning it in close proximity to the antenna, allowing for efficient communication and cooling of abrasive cutting elements through water flushing, and includes a passive transponder with data storage for operational parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the tubular shaft is made of steel for structural strength, then mechanical durability is improved, but radio signal communication is shielded and becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft structural strengthVSAvoidradio signal communication
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular shaft is segmented to include a non-metallic portion or opening in the form of a slit antenna that penetrates through the steel shaft wall. This segmentation allows radio frequency signals to pass through the otherwise shielding steel structure, enabling communication while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft structure combines metallic material (steel) for mechanical strength with a non-metallic component (slit antenna or non-metallic insert) that permits radio signal transmission. This composite approach allows both structural requirements and electromagnetic communication requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the slit antenna is made longer to improve signal strength, then communication reliability is improved, but the shaft structure becomes more complex and weaker

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidshaft structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slit antenna is designed with a length that is sufficient to achieve the required signal strength but not excessively long. The optimal length is determined by balancing communication performance with structural considerations, using just enough antenna length to achieve reliable communication without unnecessarily compromising shaft strength or adding complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The solution improves communication efficiency, increases the transponder's durability, and ensures reliable cooling of the cutting elements, enhancing the core drill bit's performance and longevity under harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The slit forms a slit antenna for the transponder... increases signal strength... responsive to radio signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The receiving room of the tubular shaft is closed such it can be flushed with water for cooling the abrasive cutting elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3515642B1Core drill bit
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 HILTI AG
  • EP3515642B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3515642B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A core drill bit (1) comprises a tubular shaft (12), a mounting platform (34) provided on a proximal end of the tubular shaft (12) for mounting the core drill bit on a power tool (35), and an annular cutting section (2) provided with abrasive cutting segments (3) arranged at a distal end of the tubular shaft (12). The core drill bit (1) further comprises a transponder (24) and a slit (27) in the tubular shaft (12). The slit (27) forms a slit antenna (26) for the transponder (24).