Spherical Cutting Tool for Low-Heat Solid Body Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sampling methods from solid bodies, such as components of gas turbines, often result in structural changes due to thermal influences, making the samples non-representative and difficult to obtain quickly and simply.

Innovation Solution

A device with a cutting tool shaped like a hollow spherical segment or layer, mounted on a frame for relative movement, allows for a three-dimensional circular saw-like cutting motion with minimal heat input and structural disruption, using a rotary drive system and adjustable axes for precise sample extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cutting methods are used to take samples from solid bodies, then samples can be obtained, but structural changes occur due to thermal influences making samples non-representative

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepresentativeness of sampleVSAvoidthermal influence on sample
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is designed with a spherical segment shape instead of conventional flat or cylindrical forms. This spherical geometry allows the cutting edge to maintain a constant radius from the rotation axis, ensuring uniform cutting depth and minimal thermal influence throughout the sampling process, thereby preserving sample representativeness while reducing thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If conventional sampling methods are used, then samples can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling speedVSAvoidcomplexity of sampling device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is segmented into a spherical segment shape with distinct functional zones: a plate-shaped central area for attachment, a transitional section, and a hollow spherical layer forming the cutting edge. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick sample removal while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tool is mounted rotatably about a tool rotation axis, allowing it to rotate during the cutting process. This dynamic motion enables the spherical segment to engage the solid body in a controlled manner, facilitating rapid sample extraction while the rotational capability simplifies the overall device structure by using motion to achieve complex cutting paths.

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

Enables representative samples with minimal structural changes and low heat input, facilitating quick and simple sampling suitable for further analysis, particularly in turbine components.

Implementation Method 1

The cutting tool is mounted rotatably about a tool rotation axis in order to realize a cutting movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Data Source

PatentEP3743704B1Method and device for taking a sample, and use of a device of this type
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3743704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3743704B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3743704B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for taking a sample (48) from a solid body (47) by cutting out, comprising a frame (1) and a cutting tool (11) retained on the frame (1) in such a way that the cutting tool can be moved relative to the frame, wherein the cutting tool (11), at least in parts, at least substantially has the shape of a hollow spherical cap or a hollow spherical segment. The invention further relates to the use of a device of this type and to a method for taking a sample from a solid body by cutting out.