TBM Test Bench Integrating Microwave-Assisted Rock Breaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TBM tunneling comprehensive test benches do not consider microwave-assisted rock breaking technology, limiting research capabilities when dealing with hard and extremely hard rock tunnels, which results in increased maintenance rates, construction costs, and potential delays or inability to tunnel.
Innovation Solution
A TBM tunneling test bench for microwave-assisted rotary rock breaking is developed, allowing for simulation of both vertical and horizontal rock breaking states. The bench incorporates a microwave-assisted rock breaking system that includes a microwave generator, isolator, tuner, waveguides, and microwave heaters, enabling multi-hobbing-cutter rock breaking tests under microwave conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If microwave-assisted rock breaking system is integrated into TBM tunneling test bench, then research capability on hard rock breaking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the microwave-assisted rock breaking system with the TBM tunneling test bench by combining the microwave generator, waveguide, and heating components into the existing test bench structure. The microwave system is merged with the mechanical testing components to create a unified platform that can simultaneously apply mechanical load and microwave irradiation on rock samples, thereby improving research capability without requiring completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The test bench is designed to perform multiple functions: conventional mechanical rock breaking tests, microwave-assisted rock breaking tests, and combined microwave-mechanical tests. The microwave system can be activated or deactivated independently, allowing the same apparatus to serve both traditional and advanced research needs, maximizing the utility of the integrated system.
2Reliability
If microwave-assisted rock breaking is used, then tool wear is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave heating is applied before and during the mechanical cutting process to pre-heat and weaken the rock structure. This preliminary thermal action reduces the mechanical strength and hardness of the rock, making subsequent mechanical cutting easier and reducing tool wear. The microwave energy is applied in advance to prepare the rock for mechanical breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the rock by applying microwave energy, which heats the rock and alters its mechanical properties. This parameter change (temperature increase) makes the rock more susceptible to mechanical cutting, thereby reducing the energy required for mechanical breakdown and extending tool life despite the additional microwave energy input.
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
The test bench provides a means to study the influence of different action parameters on microwave rock breaking efficiency and tool life, potentially reducing tool wear, maintenance costs, and construction delays by optimizing microwave-assisted rock breaking techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave generator (11), an isolator (12), a tuner (13), a first transmission waveguide (14), a rotating waveguide (15), a power divider (16), two flexible waveguides (17), two second transmission waveguides (18) and two microwave heaters (19)
Implementation Method 2
the microwave output end of each microwave heater (19) is right opposite to the surface of the rock sample (9)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a TBM tunneling test bench for microwave-assisted rotary rock breaking including a tunneling test bench body and a microwave-assisted rock breaking system, wherein the tunneling test bench body includes a base, a turnover bracket, a movable bracket, turnover oil cylinders, a pushing oil cylinder and a cutter head; the turnover bracket is hinged to the base; the turnover oil cylinders are connected between the base and the turnover bracket; the movable bracket coaxially sleeves the turnover bracket; the pushing oil cylinder is connected between the turnover bracket and the movable bracket; the cutter head is coaxially located in the movable bracket, and rotates freely; cutter head rotation driving motors are mounted in the movable bracket; the microwave-assisted rock breaking system is mounted between the movable bracket and the cutter head; and a rock sample bearing and placing box is arranged on the turnover bracket on an opposite side of the cutter head.