Corner Surface Removal Tool with Adjustable Saw Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for decontaminating nuclear facility surfaces are ineffective in corners, where two walls converge or a wall meets the ceiling or floor, leading to incomplete removal and laborious manual cleanup.
Innovation Solution
A tool and device with a drive shaft, saw blades, and spacer rings that allow for adjustable axial distance and secure torque transmission, enabling efficient removal of surfaces in corners by rotating saw blades that can be easily replaced, and a device with a linear guide and sliding carriage for automated movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional surface removal devices are used, then large areas can be efficiently removed, but corners cannot be reached and require laborious manual removal
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the surface removal task into multiple parallel cutting operations using several saw blades arranged axially. Each saw blade independently cuts the surface, allowing the tool to maintain high productivity while adapting to corner geometries through the distributed blade configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-planar cutting approach to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple saw blades at different axial positions. This dimensional change enables the tool to reach into corners and conform to complex surface geometries while maintaining efficient material removal
2Productivity
If multiple saw blades are used to increase cutting capacity, then surface removal speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft and spacer ring assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque to all saw blades, maintains precise axial spacing between blades, provides a mounting structure for blade replacement, and enables adjustable configuration. This multi-functionality increases productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The saw blades, spacer rings, and clamping bolts are nested on the drive shaft in a compact linear arrangement. This nested configuration allows multiple cutting elements to be integrated into a single compact tool assembly, maintaining simplicity while enabling high productivity through parallel cutting
3Reliability
If saw blades are securely fixed to transmit torque, then cutting reliability increases, but blade replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system transitions from a permanent fixed state to a dynamically adjustable state. During operation, the clamping bolts securely fix the saw blades for reliable torque transmission. When blade replacement is needed, the clamping bolts can be quickly loosened and removed, allowing easy blade replacement while maintaining cutting reliability during operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is designed for corner access, then adaptability to different geometries improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The saw blades are arranged asymmetrically along the drive shaft with different axial positions and orientations. This asymmetric configuration allows the tool to adapt to corner geometries and irregular surfaces without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or reconfigurable mechanisms, maintaining design simplicity while achieving high adaptability
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
Enables complete surface removal in corners, reducing manual labor and ensuring thorough decontamination, with the ability to remove surfaces up to 10 mm depth efficiently and effectively, suitable for contaminated nuclear facility decontamination.
Implementation Method 1
a tool (35) for the removal of surfaces (55) comprising a drive shaft (1), at least one saw blade (19, 25)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a tool and device, with the aid of which it is possible to remove the surface of walls, ceilings and floors also in the corners of contaminated interiors.