Tunnel Borer Roller Cutter Replacement Handling Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for replacing roller cutters on tunnel boring machines are cumbersome and require significant human intervention, especially in confined spaces under hyperbaric conditions, leading to inefficiencies and risks due to the need for manual handling and potential loss of components.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for replacing roller cutters that utilize preloading and a handling device to automate the process, where the roller cutter is permanently equipped with locking and preloading elements, allowing for automated extraction and installation without manual intervention, and includes a mechanism to prevent component loss and facilitate cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional manual methods are used to replace roller cutters, then human intervention is required for handling and positioning, but this leads to increased time consumption and potential component loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of roller cutter replacementVSAvoidtime for manual handling and positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The roller cutter is designed with integrated locking means and preloading means that enable it to be automatically handled, locked, and preloaded without requiring manual intervention for these operations. The handling device automatically performs these functions that would otherwise require manual handling and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The roller cutter is pre-equipped with locking means and preloading means before installation. The handling device automatically engages these pre-configured features to perform the locking and preloading operations, eliminating the need for manual preparation and positioning of separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual handling and positioning is used, then operators can control the process, but this increases the risk of component loss and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of roller cutter replacementVSAvoidease of manual handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roller cutter with integrated locking and preloading means automatically performs the functions that would otherwise require manual operation. This self-service approach eliminates human error in component handling while maintaining operational simplicity through automated engagement of the handling device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the roller cutter components. It automatically manages the complex operations of grasping, locking, and preloading, thereby improving reliability by eliminating manual handling errors while keeping the operation simple for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional replacement methods are used, then existing equipment can be used, but this requires modifications to the cutting head housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing cutting headsVSAvoidcomplexity of handling device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device is designed to be universally applicable to existing cutting head housings without requiring modifications. It incorporates features such as a gripping element that engages with the housing's existing geometry, allowing it to perform multiple functions (grasping, locking, preloading) on standard equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device is segmented into distinct functional elements (gripping element, locking means engagement feature, preloading means engagement feature) that can independently interact with the housing. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to existing housing geometries without requiring modifications to the cutting head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Extent of automation

If automated handling is implemented, then human intervention is reduced, but this requires permanent modification of the roller cutter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of replacement processVSAvoidcomplexity of roller cutter design

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means and preloading means are merged into an integrated assembly that is permanently attached to the roller cutter. This combination allows the roller cutter to be automatically handled and secured without requiring complex separate mechanisms, thereby achieving automation while limiting the increase in device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9429016B2Method for replacing a tunnel boring machine roller cutter, handling device and roller cutter suited to such a method

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 BOUYGUES TRAVAUX PUBLICS SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for replacing a disk cutter (1) mounted with preload in a casing (2) attached to the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine, operated using a disk cutter (1) bearing, firmly attached thereto, an element (4) for locking into the housing (2) and preloading means (5), the method involving the steps of: a) removing a worn disk cutter (1) from said housing (2): • clamping a disk cutter (1) handling device (3) onto the housing (2); • taking hold of the disk cutter, • releasing the preload, • unlocking, • extracting the disk cutter (1), • unclamping the device (3), b) fitting a replacement disk cutter (1) in reverse order.