Rotation Unit Inner Outer Shaft Torque Axial Force Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rotation units for rock drilling without percussion devices face durability issues due to the need to compromise on structural design for transmitting both axial forces and torque, leading to reduced reliability and increased wear.

Innovation Solution

The rotation unit consists of a tubular outer shaft for axial force transmission and a slender inner shaft for torque transmission, with splines at both ends for efficient torque transfer and easy mounting/dismounting, allowing the outer shaft to focus on axial load support and the inner shaft to handle rotation and torque without bearing, enhancing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single main shaft is used to transmit both axial forces and torque, then the structure is simpler, but the durability and reliability are reduced due to compromised structural design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The main shaft is divided into two separate shafts: an outer shaft for transmitting axial forces and an inner shaft for transmitting torque. This segmentation allows each shaft to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shaft and inner shaft are combined into a single main shaft assembly that works together to transmit both axial forces and torque. The inner shaft is positioned within the outer shaft, creating a integrated structure that achieves both functional separation and structural unity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If the main shaft structure is optimized for axial force transmission, then axial load capacity is improved, but torque transmission capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial load capacityVSAvoidtorque transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The main shaft is divided into two separate shafts: an outer shaft for transmitting axial forces and an inner shaft for transmitting torque. This segmentation allows each shaft to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shaft is designed with specific structural characteristics optimized for axial force transmission, while the inner shaft is designed with characteristics optimized for torque transmission. Each shaft has localized structural qualities tailored to its specific function, allowing both axial load capacity and torque transmission to be maximized simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If the main shaft structure is optimized for torque transmission, then rotation capability is improved, but axial force transmission is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidaxial load capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The main shaft is divided into two separate shafts: an outer shaft for transmitting axial forces and an inner shaft for transmitting torque. This segmentation allows each shaft to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shaft is designed with specific structural characteristics optimized for axial force transmission, while the inner shaft is designed with characteristics optimized for torque transmission. Each shaft has localized structural qualities tailored to its specific function, allowing both axial load capacity and torque transmission to be maximized simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If a single shaft transmits both axial forces and torque, then manufacturing is simpler, but wear increases and maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The main shaft is divided into two separate shafts: an outer shaft for transmitting axial forces and an inner shaft for transmitting torque. This segmentation allows each shaft to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner shaft is designed to be removable from the outer shaft, allowing dynamic reconfiguration for maintenance purposes. This enables the inner shaft to be easily extracted for inspection, repair, or replacement without requiring disassembly of the entire main shaft assembly, significantly improving maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design improves the durability and reliability of the rotation unit by separating axial force and torque transmission, reducing wear and allowing for easier maintenance, particularly in applications like DTH drilling where pulsating rotations are common.

Implementation Method 1

The splines transmit torque and allow axial movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9951559B2Rotation unit, rock drilling unit and method for rock drilling
Publication Date: 2018.04.24 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • US9951559B2 patent drawing
  • US9951559B2 patent drawing
  • US9951559B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotation unit includes a main shaft that is rotated around its longitudinal axis by a rotating motor. The main shaft includes a tubular outer shaft and an inner shaft arranged inside the outer shaft. The outer shaft is supported by a body of the rotation unit and is arranged to transmit axial forces, whereas the inner shaft is arranged to transmit rotation and torque. A rock drilling unit and method for rock drilling is also provided.