Rotor Bit Extraction Tool with Integrated Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face challenges in safely and efficiently replacing worn-out cutting bits from construction machines' rotors due to constrained and dimly lit environments within the milling chamber, leading to inadequate visibility and increased difficulty in the removal process.

Innovation Solution

A tool system equipped with input interfaces and lighting units that illuminate the rotor assembly upon actuation, powered by the machine's electrical power supply, facilitating the removal of cutting bits while providing improved visibility and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator works in the constrained and dimly lit area within the mixing chamber to replace cutting bits, then the cutting bits can be replaced, but the visibility is inadequate and the operation becomes difficult and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cutting bit replacementVSAvoidlighting condition in mixing chamber

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting unit is activated before the cutting bit removal operation begins. The controller receives a signal from the input interface and activates the lighting unit to illuminate the work area in advance, allowing the operator to perform the replacement task safely and efficiently in the previously dark environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Illumination intensity

If lighting units are added to illuminate the rotor assembly, then visibility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting condition in mixing chamberVSAvoidcomplexity of bit removal tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting unit is integrated into the bit removal tool assembly, combining the illumination function with the mechanical removal tool. The controller and input interface are also part of the same tool, merging multiple functions (lighting, control, and mechanical removal) into a single integrated device rather than separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances the operator's ability to safely and efficiently remove cutting bits by providing adequate lighting within the constrained and dimly lit areas, reducing the complexity and time required for the process.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more lighting units are configured to be activated upon the actuation of the one or more input interfaces to illuminate at least a portion of the rotor assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20240051101A1Rotor bit extraction tool with a lighting unit

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

A tool, for removing a cutting bit from a rotor of a rotor assembly of a machine, includes one or more input interfaces and one or more lighting units. The one or more input interfaces are configured to be actuated to perform one or more functions associated with removing the cutting bit from the rotor. The one or more lighting units are configured to be activated upon the actuation of the one or more input interfaces to illuminate at least a portion of the rotor assembly when performing the one or more functions associated with removing the cutting bit from the rotor.