Wall Saw Control Unit for Automated Blade Change Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall saw systems lack integration of saw blade and blade guard changes during controlled processing of separating cuts, leading to inefficiencies and potential inaccuracies in positioning and processing.

Innovation Solution

The method involves interrupting the processing of a separating cut to position the wall saw in a parking position, allowing for the controlled change of saw blades and blade guards, with the control unit calculating specific positions to accommodate various blade diameters and obstacles, ensuring precise resumption of processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the wall saw system continuously processes separating cuts without interruption, then productivity is improved, but the ability to change saw blades and blade guards is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidblade change capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit calculates and stores parking positions in advance, considering various blade diameters and obstacle positions. When blade change is needed, the wall saw is automatically guided to the pre-calculated parking position, enabling quick and accurate blade changes without manual positioning calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a sensor device with a swivel angle sensor and displacement sensor to continuously monitor the actual position of the wall saw and saw arm. This feedback is transmitted to the control unit, which compares the actual position with the target parking position and automatically adjusts the wall saw position to ensure precise alignment for blade changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wall saw is stopped for blade changes, then blade change capability is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade change capabilityVSAvoidprocessing continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically manages the entire blade change process by calculating parking positions, guiding the wall saw to the correct position, and resuming processing without operator intervention. The system serves itself by integrating blade change operations into the automated control sequence, minimizing manual involvement and reducing non-productive time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous control and automation throughout the blade change process. The control unit continuously monitors position sensors, automatically adjusts the wall saw to parking positions, and seamlessly resumes processing, ensuring that the useful action of automated control continues uninterrupted even during blade changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If manual positioning is used for blade changes, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it calculates parking positions for various blade diameters, guides the wall saw to correct positions, monitors sensor feedback, and resumes processing sequences. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations into a single automated system, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and motorized actuation. The sensor device with swivel angle and displacement sensors provides precise electronic feedback, replacing imprecise manual positioning methods and enabling sub-millimeter positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If parking positions are calculated for all possible blade diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade diameter compatibilityVSAvoidposition calculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically calculates parking positions based on the actual blade diameter being used, rather than pre-programming positions for all possible blade diameters. The system adapts its calculations in real-time based on sensor feedback and the specific processing requirements, providing universal compatibility without the complexity of managing multiple fixed position sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3191279B1Method for controlling a wall saw system when creating a separating cut
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 HILTI AG
  • EP3191279B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3191279B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3191279B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a wall saw system (10) during the creation of a separating cut in a workpiece (24) between a first and a second end point. The wall saw system (10) comprises a wall saw (12). Said wall saw comprises a saw head (14), a pivotable saw arm (17), a first saw blade, and a larger, second saw blade. The separating cut is performed in a plurality of main cuts, wherein the parameters of the main cuts (saw blade diameter of the saw blade used, main-cut angle) are defined before the start in a main-cut sequence. After the processing of the separating cut by means of the first saw blade is concluded, the controlled processing of the separating cut is interrupted by a control unit and the wall saw (12) is moved into a parking position by the control unit. The parking position is selected in such a way that all actions of the saw-blade change (swinging out the saw arm, removing the first saw blade, installing the second saw blade, and swinging in the saw arm) can be performed.