Tunnel Boring Machine Remote Anchoring and Debris Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tunnel-boring machines require operators inside the borehole for directional control and maintenance, especially in long stretches, which is costly and poses safety challenges due to the need for extensive ventilation and escape routes, and the limitations of unmanned machines in maintaining line of sight and transporting debris.
Innovation Solution
A tunnel-boring machine with a rotating boring head and rolling disc cutters, an anchoring unit with radially displaceable feet for directional control, and a transport device with pivotable wheels for movement and debris removal, allowing operation and control from outside the borehole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators are positioned in the borehole to control the machine and transport debris, then the machine can be operated and maintained, but safety risks increase and extensive ventilation systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. Remote control units allow operators to control the boring machine from outside the borehole, eliminating the need for operators to physically presence in the borehole. Automated conveyor belts transport debris without human intervention, reducing safety risks while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices between the operator and the boring environment. Remote control units act as intermediaries for machine operation, allowing operators to control functions without direct exposure to hazards. Conveyor belts serve as intermediaries for debris transport, automating the removal process without requiring operators to enter the borehole.
2Extent of automation
If the borehole diameter is small (up to 1.5m), then the machine can be operated from outside, but directional control becomes difficult when turning radius is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic directional control mechanisms that allow the boring head to pivot and adjust its orientation during operation. The ability to change the boring direction dynamically enables the machine to navigate tight turns and maintain line of sight even in boreholes with limited turning radius, preserving unmanned operation capability while improving ease of directional control.
3Productivity
If operators are required in the borehole for maintenance and debris transport, then all equipment can be operated, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities through automated systems. The conveyor belt system automatically transports debris without human intervention, and the remote control system allows automated operation of the boring machine. This eliminates the need for operators to be continuously present in the borehole for maintenance and debris removal, reducing operational costs while maintaining continuous productivity.
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 cost-effective, safe, and efficient boring operations without operators inside the borehole by providing precise directional control and efficient debris transport, reducing operational costs and safety concerns.
Implementation Method 1
rolling disc cutters which, by rotation of the boring head, break material loose when subjected to compressive forces against the rock
Implementation Method 2
feeding cylinders that are attached to the anchoring unit and the frame, so that the tunnel-boring machine may be pushed in its longitudinal direction and apply a desired feeding force to the boring head
Implementation Method 3
a set of radially displaceable anchoring feet that can be clamped against a surrounding borehole wall and constitute the anchoring attachments
Implementation Method 4
The rotation of the boring head is provided by a driving apparatus, typically in the form of one or more electromotors with step-down gearing between the motor(s) and the boring head
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A tunnel-boring machine (3) comprising a frame (6), a rotating boring head (4) with rolling disc cutters (5) supported at a front end of a first frame portion (6a), a second, polygonal frame portion (6b) extending rearwards from the first frame portion (6a), and a longitudinal axis (33), in which an anchoring unit (7) provided with several radially displaceable anchoring feet (1 1) is arranged in a rotationally rigid manner on the second frame portion (6b), displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel-boring machine (3) by means of at least one hydraulic feeding cylinder (10), a transport device (20) arranged to move the tunnel-boring machine (3) in a borehole (2) is connected to the frame (6), and the transport device (20) comprises several wheel sets (21 a), each wheel set (21 a) including at least one wheel (21) which is connected to a driving motor (27), and the wheel sets (21 a) being supported in bogies (23) which are pivotably connected to telescopic structures (24) which are radially displaceable by means of hydraulic cylinders (25).