Rotary Core Catcher Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ground working tools require disassembly to release cores from bore holes, making the process inefficient and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A ground working tool with a tubular base body and locking means featuring a guide rail and moveable locking elements that transition between radially outer releasing and inner locking positions, allowing for secure clamping and release of cores using friction and rotational forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional holding means are used in core catchers, then the core can be held securely during drilling, but the core catcher must be dismantled to discharge the core, reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore holding securityVSAvoidcore discharge efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be movable between a locking position (where it clamps the core) and a releasing position (where it releases the core). This dynamic mechanism allows the same component to perform both secure holding and easy release functions, eliminating the need to dismantle the core catcher for core discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element can be actuated by rotational movement of the tubular base body itself, which automatically moves the locking element between locking and releasing positions. The system uses its own operational movement (rotation) to control the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate dismantling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the locking element is positioned radially inner to clamp the core, then secure clamping is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore clamping securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking element for clamping, a guide rail for movement control, and connection means for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves multiple functions: it clamps the core during drilling, can be moved to release the core, and its movement is controlled by the rotational movement of the tubular base body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the guide rail is arranged with a deviation angle relative to the tangential direction, then the locking element can transition smoothly between positions, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking element movement smoothnessVSAvoidguide rail angle precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail is designed with a specific deviation angle relative to the tangential direction of the tubular base body. This angular parameter change allows the locking element to transition smoothly between locking and releasing positions during rotation, while the angle can be optimized to balance operational smoothness with manufacturing feasibility.

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 economical and reliable core removal by securely clamping and releasing cores within the tool, facilitating efficient extraction and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the locking element, which is moveably mounted along the guide rail in a form-locking fashion between a radially outer releasing position and a radially inner locking position, in which the core is clamped within the receiving space by means of the at least one locking element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the tubular base body is rotated in a locking direction wherein at least one locking element being movably mounted in a form-locking fashion along a guide rail of at least one locking unit of locking means at the inner side of the tubular base body is moved along the guide rail from a radially outer releasing position to a radially inner locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational force: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3034776B1Ground working tool and method for its operation
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 BAUER SPEZIALTIEFBAU GMBH
  • EP3034776B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2c
  • EP3034776B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3034776B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a ground working tool (10) comprising a tubular base body (20) with an inner receiving space for receiving a cylindrical core of solid ground material (11), connecting means (23) for connecting the tubular base body with a rotary drive means and locking means for locking the core in the receiving space of the tubular base body. The locking means comprises at least one locking unit (30) having a guide rail (32) being disposed at an inner side of the tubular base body and arranged with a deviation angle relative to a tangential direction of the tubular base body and the locking unit further comprises at least one locking element (31), which is moveably mounted on the guide rail between a radially outer releasing position and a radially inner locking position, in which the core (11) is clamped within the receiving space by means of the at least one locking element. The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating a ground working tool.