Laser-Assisted Tunnel Boring Machine Rock Fragmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tunnel boring machines face inefficiencies and increased costs due to poor adaptability to non-uniform geological conditions and significant cutter wear during rock excavation.

Innovation Solution

Integration of lasers, water spray systems, and an intelligent control system with real-time monitoring into a traditional tunnel boring machine to enable adaptive rock fragmenting modes, including laser-cutter and cutter rock fragmenting, allowing for efficient rock fragmentation and reduced cutter wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tunnel boring machine method is used with large-sized cutter, then rock can be sheared and fragmented, but cutter wear is significant and adaptability to non-uniform geological conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to geological conditionsVSAvoidcutter wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical cutting system with a laser-based thermal processing system. Lasers are installed on the cutter head to heat and fragment rock through thermal effects rather than mechanical shearing, eliminating cutter wear and improving adaptability to various rock types including hard rock that would rapidly wear conventional cutters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of rock through laser heating, transforming the rock's thermal and mechanical properties. By controlling laser parameters (power, duration, focal point), the system adapts to different rock types and geological conditions, achieving versatile rock fragmentation without mechanical cutter wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional tunnel boring machine method is used, then excavation can be performed, but tunneling efficiency is reduced under changeable geological conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetunneling efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to geological conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system where laser parameters (power, pulse duration, focal position) are continuously adjusted based on real-time geological conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high tunneling efficiency across varying rock types and geological conditions, unlike static conventional cutting systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing mechanical cutting with laser thermal processing, the system achieves higher productivity in hard rock conditions where mechanical cutters struggle, while maintaining adaptability through controllable laser parameters that can be optimized for different rock types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If lasers are added to form laser-cutter rock fragmenting mode, then rock fragmenting efficiency is improved and cutter wear is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverock fragmenting efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system: lasers serve both as rock fragmentation tools and as indicators for geological condition monitoring, while the water spray system provides both cooling and dust suppression. This multi-functionality improves rock fragmenting efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity through functional consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhanced adaptability and efficiency in rock fragmentation, reducing construction costs by intelligently selecting the appropriate rock fragmenting mode based on real-time geological data.

Implementation Method 1

lasers: a plurality of lasers are installed on a cutter head of the tunnel boring machine, to form a laser-cutter rock fragmenting mode mainly based on hot fragmenting, melting and vaporization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser radiation heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

water spray systems: the water spray systems are arranged around the lasers, which use laser radiation to produce high temperature, spray water to reduce temperature, and use instantaneous high temperature difference to make rock produce tensile stress and then fragment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal shock: Thermal Shock

Data Source

PatentUS10648334B2Laser-assisted tunnel boring machine and rock fragmenting method therefor

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 DALIAN UNIV OF TECH

AI summary

A laser-assisted tunnel boring machine and a rock fragmenting method thereof belong to the technical field of tunnel engineering. Two rock fragmenting modes exist: a laser-cutter rock fragmenting mode and a cutter rock fragmenting mode, wherein the two rock fragmenting modes are switched by an intelligent control system; and for the laser-assisted rock fragmenting mode, hot fragmenting is mainly performed using lasers which assisted by water spray systems, to achieve the purposes of auxiliary rock fragmenting by laser radiation for hot cracking and water spray for quick cooling, and mechanical rock fragmenting for excavation.