Raise Boring Roller Cutter Digital Tag for Wear-Resistant Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing raise boring tools face issues with identification methods being worn away by harsh environments and inefficiencies in storing product and operational information.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a digital identification tag, such as an RFID or optical machine-readable code, on the roller cutters of the raise boring tool to provide reliable and efficient storage and retrieval of information, even in harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stamped or engraved identification is used on the raise boring tool, then the identification method is simple and easy to implement, but the identification is prone to being worn away in harsh environments including high temperatures and wear from dirt and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stamping or engraving methods with magnetic identification systems. Magnets are embedded in the raise boring tool, allowing identification through non-contact magnetic field detection. This substitution eliminates wear on identification markers while maintaining ease of implementation, as magnets can be easily embedded during manufacturing and detected using simple magnetic sensors or cards.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional identification methods are used on the raise boring tool, then the implementation is straightforward, but the identification is unable to store data related to the drilling operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic identification system multi-functional by embedding both identification magnets and data storage magnets in the raise boring tool. The same magnetic detection mechanism serves dual purposes: identifying the tool and retrieving operational data such as drilling parameters, location, and performance metrics. This eliminates the need for separate identification and data storage systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If stamped or engraved identification is used on the raise boring tool, then the method is simple to implement, but the tool needs cleaning before the identification can be read after drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical reading methods (which require clean surfaces) with non-contact magnetic field detection. Magnetic sensors or magnetic cards can detect the embedded magnets through dirt, dust, and other contaminants without requiring the tool surface to be clean, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving operational efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If identification tags are placed on external surfaces of the roller cutter, then the identification is easily accessible for reading, but the identification is exposed to wear from the external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds magnets within the internal structure of the raise boring tool components, nesting the identification system inside the tool body. This internal placement protects the identification magnets from external wear while allowing magnetic detection to occur through the tool material, maintaining accessibility without exposing the identification elements to harsh environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A roller cutter for a raise boring tool includes a journal and a cutter shell positioned radially around the journal. The journal includes an external surface from which a journal end protrudes from. A seal retainer is positioned between the journal and the roller cutter, and wherein at least one digital identification tag is located on the roller cutter.