Multi-Drive Wire Saw Layout for Constant Contact Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire saws are either too large and unwieldy due to large drive wheels and motors, leading to high production costs and uneven load distribution, while prior solutions with multiple roller batteries result in variable contact length and increased load on the saw rope or drive wheels.

Innovation Solution

A wire saw design featuring at least three independent drive wheels that maintain constant contact length regardless of rope storage occupancy, utilizing a pulley-like rope storage system and smaller drive motors, allowing for a compact and powerful saw with efficient space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If large drive wheels are used to provide sufficient contact length, then the contact length between saw wire and drive wheels is improved, but the wire saw becomes very large and unwieldy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact lengthVSAvoidwire saw size
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single large drive wheel into multiple smaller drive wheels (at least three). Each drive wheel has a groove for the saw wire, and they are arranged to provide sufficient total contact length without requiring large individual wheel diameters. This segmentation allows the wire saw to be compact while maintaining adequate contact length for force transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If large drive motors are used to drive large drive wheels, then the power transmission capability is improved, but the installation volume and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidinstallation volume
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power transmission system into multiple smaller drive wheels that can be driven by smaller, more readily available motors. This eliminates the need for large, expensive, custom-manufactured motors while maintaining sufficient power transmission capability through the combined contact of multiple drive wheels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive wheels serve multiple functions: they transmit drive force to the saw wire, store the saw wire when not in use (wire storage unit), and provide guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and allows smaller motors to suffice.

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

3Quantity of substance

If the number of occupied storage levels increases, then the wire storage capacity is improved, but the contact length changes leading to increased load on saw wire or drive wheels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire storage capacityVSAvoidload on saw wire
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses at least three separate drive wheels instead of a single large wheel or two roller assemblies. This segmentation ensures that the contact length and load distribution remain consistent regardless of how much wire is stored, because each drive wheel maintains its own contact zone with the wire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wire storage unit is designed to accommodate varying wire lengths while the drive wheels maintain constant contact. The system dynamically adapts to different storage levels without compromising the mechanical load distribution, as the multiple drive wheels ensure consistent force transmission across the saw wire.

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

The solution provides a compact, powerful, and cost-effective wire saw with consistent contact length, reducing mechanical stress and enabling the use of smaller, more affordable drive motors, while maintaining efficient rope storage and handling.

Implementation Method 1

the drive wheels must be able to overcome the frictional forces generated during cutting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least three drive wheels for transmitting a drive force to a sawing wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4470698A1Cable saw and method for operating a cable saw
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 HILTI AG
  • EP4470698A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4470698A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4470698A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wire saw (10) with a wire drive (12) and a wire storage unit (14) for a saw wire (16), wherein the wire saw (10) has at least three drive wheels (20, 22, 24) for transmitting a drive force to a saw wire (16) of the wire saw (10), wherein the number of drive wheels (20, 22, 24) in contact with the saw wire (16) is independent of the occupancy of the wire storage unit (14). In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating such a wire saw (10). The invention enables the provision of a particularly powerful yet compact wire saw.