Wireless Wear Sensor Coupling for Tunnel Boring Machine Tool Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools for tunnel boring machines require complex and error-prone wired connections for wear sensor data transmission, making it difficult and time-consuming to replace worn tool heads when wear limits are reached.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, connector-free coupling module between the tool head and tool base allows for easy disconnection and reconnection, enabling simple and quick replacement of worn tool heads using a wireless interface and an evaluation module that monitors wear levels and provides visual wear state indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired electrical line arrangement is used for wear sensor data transmission, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but replacement complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical electrical connection with a wireless data transmission system. The wear sensor in the tool head communicates with the tool base via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections during tool head replacement, thus maintaining reliable data transmission while significantly improving replacement ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement from the tool head replacement process by implementing wireless communication. The wear sensor data transmission function is separated from the mechanical wired connection, allowing the tool head to be replaced without dealing with electrical plug-and-play operations
2Reliability
If wired electrical line arrangement is used for wear sensor data transmission, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but replacement error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex wired electrical line arrangement with a wireless communication system. The wear sensor continuously monitors tool head condition and transmits data wirelessly to the tool base, maintaining monitoring reliability while eliminating the complexity of wired connections, connectors, and routing
3Productivity
If wireless connector-free coupling module is used, then replacement speed increases, but connection reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication to replace mechanical electrical connections, enabling rapid tool head replacement without plugging or unplugging wires. The wireless system maintains connection reliability through stable signal transmission between the wear sensor in the tool head and the receiver at the tool base
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a wireless data transmission system that creates a virtual connection between the wear sensor and the control system. This wireless data copy/transmission replaces the need for physical electrical continuity, enabling fast replacement while maintaining data integrity and connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool for a tunnel boring machine, including a tool head equipped with a wear sensor detachably connectable to a tool holder. A line arrangement having a wireless, connector-free coupling module between the tool head and the tool holder is provided for connecting the wear sensors to an evaluation module. In the event of wear, a tool head to be replaced may be removed from the tool holder and a new tool head may be connected to the tool holder.