Ring Saw Water Flushing for Low-Friction Blade Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ring saws experience high friction losses and complex blade replacement due to eccentric drive mechanisms, and the cooling water transports dust and mud, leading to wear on moving parts.

Innovation Solution

A ring saw design featuring a tool holder with a guide roller system that includes cylindrical rolling elements with a conical profile, allowing for low-friction guidance and easy blade replacement, and a water guide that cleans the roller before reaching the blade, reducing wear from abrasive materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If water is used to cool the ring saw blade, then the blade is cooled effectively, but dust and mud are transported into the ring saw causing high wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade coolingVSAvoidwear from dust and mud
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The water guide directs the water stream to exit through an outlet positioned away from the cutting plane, extracting the harmful function (transporting dust and mud into the ring saw) while preserving the useful function (cooling the guide roller and blade). The water flows through the guide roller and exits via a channel that directs it away from the cutting zone, preventing abrasive materials from entering the ring saw mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If guide rollers are used to guide the ring saw blade, then the blade is guided properly, but friction losses are significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade guidanceVSAvoidfriction losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical guidance system with a water-lubricated system. Water is directed through the guide roller via channels, creating a lubricating film that reduces friction between the guide roller and the ring saw blade. This substitution of mechanical contact with fluid lubrication significantly reduces friction losses while maintaining proper blade guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If the ring saw blade is driven eccentrically via a drive wheel, then the blade is driven effectively, but the blade replacement process is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade driveVSAvoidblade replacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the blade retention system into independent components: the drive wheel that provides power and the separate retention mechanism that secures the blade. The retention mechanism includes a retention element that can be independently actuated to release the blade, allowing blade replacement without disturbing the drive wheel configuration. This segmentation simplifies the replacement process while maintaining effective eccentric drive functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The design minimizes friction losses and simplifies blade replacement, while the water guide effectively prevents wear from dust and mud, enhancing the ring saw's efficiency and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

A water guide has an outlet which is directed towards the guide roller. The guide roller is cleaned by the water, which then cools the ring saw blade.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

A guide roller is arranged on one side of the cutting plane for guiding the ring saw blade from that side. The guide roller can have a cylindrical rolling element for engaging in guide grooves of the ring saw blade.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction:

Implementation Method 3

The radially inner flank is conical, and the cone describing the conical flank has a half-opening angle of between 10 and 30 degrees. The ring saw blade enables low-friction guidance via the inclined flanks.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction through inclined surfaces:

Data Source

PatentEP3993978B1Ring saw with water flushing
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 HILTI AG
  • EP3993978B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3993978B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3993978B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A ring saw (2) comprises a tool holder (5) for guiding a ring saw blade (1). The tool holder is disposed in a receiving space (33). A drive wheel (6) serves to drive the ring saw blade and is arranged in the cutting plane and is coupled to the motor. A guide roller is arranged on one side of the cutting plane for guiding the ring saw blade from the one side. A water flush (81) has an outlet (85) which is directed to the guide roller (41).