Core Drill Bit Repeater Link for Replaceable Segment Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing core drill bits lack efficient means for tracking the usage and performance of abrasive cutting segments, leading to suboptimal operation and potential damage due to unknown wear levels and operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A core drill bit design featuring a tubular shaft with a replaceable annular cutting section equipped with a transponder for data storage and communication, allowing machine tools to read and transmit information about the cutting segments' usage and operating parameters, eliminating the need for a power supply and using passive transponders for radio communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a transponder is attached to the replaceable annular cutting section for data storage and communication, then real-time monitoring and tracking of cutting segments is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking informationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first transponder is nested within the replaceable annular cutting section, while a second transponder is nested within the tubular shaft. The second transponder acts as a repeater that receives signals from the first transponder through the wall thickness of the tubular shaft, enabling communication without external antennas on the cutting section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The second transponder serves as an intermediary repeater device that facilitates communication between the first transponder on the cutting section and the external machine tool. It receives electromagnetic signals through the tubular shaft wall and retransmits them, enabling indirect communication without requiring the cutting section to have direct antenna access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If passive transponders are used for radio communication without power supply, then the device complexity is reduced, but the communication range and reliability may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The passive transponders utilize electromagnetic energy from the machine tool's interrogating signals to power themselves and transmit data back. The system serves itself by harvesting energy from the communication signals, eliminating the need for separate power sources while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The second transponder acts as an active intermediary that can amplify and retransmit signals, improving communication reliability compared to a simple passive transponder. It serves as a signal booster that compensates for signal attenuation through the tubular shaft wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the annular cutting section is made replaceable for extended usage, then the duration of action is improved, but the loss of information occurs when cutting segments are replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage durationVSAvoidusage data
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The second transponder on the tubular shaft creates a copy or backup of the usage data stored on the first transponder of the replaceable cutting section. This duplicate data storage ensures that usage information is preserved even when the cutting section is replaced, allowing tracking of cumulative usage across multiple cutting sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary data transfer by having the second transponder receive and store usage data from the first transponder before the cutting section is removed. This ensures data is preserved in advance of the replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Use of energy by moving object

If impedance matching is implemented between the repeater and transponder, then the use of energy is optimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional matching components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance of the second transponder is specifically designed and adjusted to match the impedance characteristics of the first transponder and the transmission path through the tubular shaft wall. This parameter optimization maximizes energy transfer efficiency during electromagnetic signal transmission and reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 real-time monitoring and optimization of drilling operations, extending the life of cutting segments and improving drilling efficiency by providing precise control over torque, speed, and water flushing, while allowing for easy replacement and tracking of cutting segments.

Implementation Method 1

A first transponder (24) is provided at the distal end of the tubular shaft (12). A repeater (28) is provided comprising a second transponder (29) at the proximal end of the tubular shaft (12), an antenna (32) facing the first transponder (24), and a wired connection (34) between the antenna (32) and the repeater (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3515641B1Core drill bit
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 HILTI AG
  • EP3515641B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3515641B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3515641B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The inventive core drill bit (1) comprises a tubular shaft (12), a mounting platform (31) provided on a proximal end of the tubular shaft (12) for mounting the core drill bit on a power tool (26), and an annular cutting section (2) provided with abrasive cutting segments (3) arranged at a distal end of the tubular shaft (12). A first transponder (24) is provided at the distal end of the tubular shaft (12). A repeater (28) is provided comprising a second transponder (29) at the proximal end of the tubular shaft (12), an antenna (33) facing the first transponder (24), and a wired connection (34) between the antenna (33) and the repeater (28).