Mining Machine Cutting Assembly Radial Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adjustment of cutting diameter in existing cutting assemblies for mining machines is cumbersome and time-consuming, delaying the cutting process when adjustments are needed during operation.
Innovation Solution
A cutting assembly with a movable cutting means carrier and a locking mechanism that includes a hydraulic release system, allowing for quick and safe engagement and disengagement of locking members to change the cutting diameter, enabling radial movement of the cutting means carrier without the need for precise synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cutting means carrier is movably attached to the arm for radial movement, then the cutting diameter can be adjusted, but the adjustment becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic actuator to drive the cutting means carrier radially along the arm, replacing manual or mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The hydraulic system enables quick and precise positioning of the cutting means carrier at different radial positions, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability for varying cutting diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting means carrier is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be moved to different radial positions during operation. The system includes a movable locking mechanism that can quickly engage or disengage at various positions, enabling flexible adaptation without time-consuming adjustments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the cutting means carrier, then the cutting position is stabilized, but the engagement and disengagement process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes a hydraulic actuator that can be remotely controlled to engage or disengage the cutting means carrier at any radial position. This hydraulic control system simplifies the locking process by eliminating complex mechanical linkages and manual operations, while ensuring stable positioning once locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a hydraulic control system. The hydraulic actuator provides a more reliable and simpler means of securing the cutting means carrier, reducing the number of moving parts and eliminating the need for precise mechanical synchronization while maintaining position stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the locking member requires precise synchronization with the cutting means carrier position, then accurate locking is achieved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuator provides a force-driven locking mechanism that does not rely on precise synchronization of mechanical components. The hydraulic system can engage the locking member at any radial position of the cutting means carrier, achieving accurate locking through fluid pressure control rather than mechanical timing, thereby simplifying the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage or disengage based on the radial position of the cutting means carrier without requiring external synchronization control. The hydraulic actuator responds to position changes and autonomously performs locking actions, eliminating the need for complex synchronized control systems while maintaining positioning precision.
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient adjustment of cutting diameter, reducing operational delays and enhancing the robustness and simplicity of the design by allowing independent control of locking members and distributing locking positions along the arm.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic release system configured to increasingly force the locking member towards its withdrawn position upon increase of fluid pressure in the hydraulic release system
Implementation Method 2
The locking means may comprise a biasing means configured to bias the locking member towards its extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting assembly for a mining machine includes a central hub having at least one arm extending radially outwards from the central hub. The arm includes at least one cutting means carrier movably arranged for radial movement along the arm and a primary actuator configured to control the radial position of the cutting means carrier. The cutting assembly further includes a locking means movable between an unlocked and a locked position, wherein the locking means in its locked position locks the cutting means carrier to the arm such that radial movement of the cutting means carrier is prevented. The locking means includes at least one locking member provided on the arm such that the locking member is movable between an extended position and a withdrawn position. The locking member in the extended position extends to engage the cutting means carrier such that movement of the cutting means carrier is prevented.