Dredger Cutter Head Segmented Arms for Hard Ground
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutter heads for dredgers are inefficient in dredging hard ground surfaces with high Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of at least 50 MPa, as they struggle to effectively penetrate and process such materials due to limited cutting tool distribution and force transmission.
Innovation Solution
The cutter head design features a series of cutting tools on both the leading and trailing edges of the arms, allowing for increased tool density and improved force transmission, with a larger number of arms and passage openings to efficiently process hard ground, and adjustable cutting tool placement for varying hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cutting tools are only placed on the leading part of the arms, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the efficiency of dredging hard ground is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are divided into multiple segments along their length, with cutting tools placed at different positions including the leading part, trailing part, and intermediate positions. This segmentation allows the cutting force to be distributed across multiple tools, significantly improving the efficiency of dredging hard ground while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
Cutting tools are arranged not only along the leading edge of the arms but also extending toward the trailing edge and intermediate positions. This multi-dimensional arrangement of cutting tools along the arm structure enables more effective engagement with hard ground material, increasing productivity without excessive complexity
2Productivity
If the number of cutting tools per arm is increased, then the volume of ground processed per unit time increases, but the load per cutting tool decreases and tool wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total cutting load is segmented across multiple cutting tools positioned at different locations on each arm. By distributing the ground engagement across leading, trailing, and intermediate position tools, the force per individual tool is reduced, preventing rapid wear while maintaining high overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the arms have different numbers and positions of cutting tools optimized for their specific functions. The leading part has tools for initial engagement, intermediate positions for sustained cutting, and trailing parts for finishing, with each location's tool configuration tailored to its local requirements
3Productivity
If more arms with cutting tools are added, then the cutting capacity increases, but the structural load and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting capacity is segmented across multiple arms, each carrying a distributed set of cutting tools at various positions. This segmentation allows the total cutting force to be distributed across the arm structure, reducing the load on any single arm while maintaining high overall cutting capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple arms work together in a coordinated manner, with their combined cutting tools engaging the ground simultaneously. The arms are structurally integrated to share loads, allowing the system to achieve high cutting capacity while distributing structural stresses across the entire multi-arm assembly
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
This design significantly enhances the efficiency of dredging hard ground surfaces by increasing the volume of material processed per unit time and power, allowing for effective penetration and discharge of small fragments, even in rock-like materials with high UCS.
Implementation Method 1
the tips of the cutting tools strike the ground with great force under the weight of the cutter head, ladder and suction conduit
Implementation Method 2
Via the passage openings between the arms the hereby formed fragments are suctioned up by the suction conduit and discharged
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cutter head (10) for dredging ground under water, this cutter head being suitable for attachment rotatably around a central axis to the ladder (2) of a cutter suction dredger (1) and for being moved through the ground (9) therewith in a lateral sweeping movement, the cutter head comprising a base ring(13), a hub(14) situated at a distance in the direction of the central axis from the base ring, and a plurality of arms (15) extending from the base ring to the hub, wherein a passage opening (16) is located between arms and wherein the arms are provided with a first series of cutting tools on a leading part (15a) relative to the direction of rotation of the cutter head, and wherein at least one arm is provided with a second series of cutting tools on a part of the arm (15b) facing away from the central axis.