Manual modular device and manual method for applying soil packages for controlling erosion processes.
A manual, modular device and method for applying soil packages using a compact, rotatable mold and support structure address the high cost and complexity of existing erosion control technologies by enabling efficient, economical, and accessible erosion control on reservoir banks and slopes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA MARIA
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
1 / 12 Descriptive Report of Invention Patent Manual Modular Device and Manual Method for Applying Soil Packets to Control Erosion Processes Field of Invention
[0001] The present invention describes a manual modular device and manual method for applying soil packages for controlling erosion processes. The present invention is situated in the fields of civil engineering, environmental engineering, and sustainable agronomy. Background of the Invention
[0002] Erosion on the banks of artificial or natural water reservoirs causes numerous environmental, social, and economic damages. The main triggers of erosion on the banks are the continuous action of waves and the oscillation of the reservoir's operating level, which occurs on a daily to annual timescale. The effect of waves and water level fluctuations on the banks causes the loss of expropriated area belonging to the company operating the project, which can result in conflicts with neighboring landowners. Furthermore, this loss of area results in the removal of native riparian vegetation and the reduction of the vegetation preservation zone, which is mandatory by law in several countries around the world. Therefore, it becomes necessary to search for techniques to prevent erosion in a practical and effective way.
[0003] In the search for the state of the art in scientific and patent literature, the following documents were found that deal with the subject:
[0004] Document CN107284707 discloses equipment consisting of a mobile platform combined with a mobile conveyor belt, intended for filling soil cylinders for flood control. The mobile equipment is fitted with a funnel-type metal system and a tube. Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, p. 3 / 15 2 / 12 with a spiral shaft system driven by a motor. On the other hand, the present invention is compact and easily transportable by boat due to its modular structure (dismountable parts), unlike patent document CN107284707. Furthermore, the present invention has a much lower weight compared to document CN107284707, which is essential for the operation and transport of the equipment in the field. The construction of the cylinder on the ground, possible through the present invention, is carried out with a shovel or other manual tool, unlike CN107284707, whose filling is designed to be carried out with an excavator or similar machine. One of the advantages of the present invention is the lack of need for a machine for its filling, since the circulation of machines along the banks of reservoirs is generally critical.
[0005] Document JP4304227 discloses an auxiliary device (mold) for filling big bags using a hydraulic machine (excavator) or other large equipment. The semicircular mold with a closed bottom is positioned with the boom of the hydraulic machine, and then the big bag is placed inside the mold to be filled. The equipment is useful for increasing the efficiency of filling. On the other hand, the present invention serves as a mold for constructing a small-sized cylinder, which, after its construction, can be easily handled and positioned manually on the edge of the reservoir. The cylindrical body of the present invention, which is suspended at its ends by a support structure, is designed to rotate around its own axis by means of a lever actuation, so that human effort is dispensed with and ergonomics are increased when unloading the constructed soil cylinder.The opposite is true for document JP4304227, because in addition to the large dimensions of the filled big bag, it is excessively heavy and needs to be removed from the auxiliary device using the boom of an excavator.
[0006] Document JP3050279U discloses an auxiliary device for Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, page 4 / 15 3 / 12 Manually filling bags with different materials. The device allows the bag to be suspended, facilitating the filling process. The bag supported by the device has a cubic shape. On the other hand, the present invention allows the manufacture of soil cylinders, which is not the case with JP3050279U. Furthermore, the cylinder suspension and unloading mechanism in the present invention offers excellent ergonomic conditions compared to the patent document JP3050279U.
[0007] Document CN106672551 discloses a conveyor belt platform equipped with a metal funnel, under which big bags are positioned to be filled with various materials (sand, silt, etc.). The materials to be packaged are launched into the containers using an excavator boom. On the other hand, the present invention allows the manufacture of small-sized soil cylinders, which is not the case with patent document CN106672551, which only allows the packaging of large, cubic-shaped big bags for use in large hydraulic and coastal works. The present invention has a compact format, which will facilitate its movement along the bank as the work front advances. Document CN106672551, however, has industrial dimensions and operates only with the use of heavy machinery (excavator, barge, etc.), making the logistics and associated costs unfeasible for applications on reservoir banks.
[0008] Document DE202010008093 discloses a heavy machine operating in a yard or warehouse used for filling large prefabricated geotextile cylinders with soil, sand, or other granular material. For this purpose, the machine has a special articulated head that advances as the cylinder is filled. The machine is supplied by a dump truck. On the other hand, the present invention allows for the manufacture of small soil cylinders, which is not the case in document DE202010008093, which allows for the filling of large cylinders. The present invention has a compact design, which will facilitate the... Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, page 5 / 15 4 / 12 its displacement along the bank as the work front advances. Patent document DE202010008093, however, has industrial dimensions and operates only with the use of heavy machinery (excavator, barge, etc.), making the logistics and associated costs unfeasible for applications on reservoir banks.
[0009] Document EP2783992 discloses a large-scale piece of equipment used for filling flexible bags with different materials. The equipment operates on an industrial scale in a fixed location. The equipment is supplied with filling material (losses) using heavy machinery. The filled bags, which are large in size, are used in large hydraulic works using heavy and specialized machinery. On the other hand, the present invention allows the manufacture of soil cylinders with small dimensions, which is not the case with patent document EP2783992, which allows the filling of large bags. The present invention has a compact format, which will facilitate its movement along the bank as the work front advances. Document EP2783992, however, has industrial dimensions and operates only with the use of heavy machinery (excavator, barge, etc.).), given that the logistics and associated costs make them unfeasible for applications on reservoir margins.
[0010] Document CN208530881U discloses a device developed for filling bags to be used in flood prevention. The device allows for the aspiration of granular filling material (sand) and the filling of bags suspended in a specific structure. The device is also equipped with a conveyor belt that transports the containers after filling. The device operates in a fixed manner and on an industrial scale. On the other hand, the present invention allows for the manufacture of soil cylinders with small dimensions, which is not the case in patent document CN208530881U, which allows for the filling of large bags. The present invention has a compact format, which will facilitate its use. Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, p. 6 / 15 5 / 12 displacement along the margin as the work front advances. In document CN208530881U, the dimensions are industrial and the operation occurs on a fixed base. Operation requires transporting the filling material to the device installation site using heavy machinery. The present invention allows obtaining the filling material and filling the cylinder at the intervention site itself, reducing execution and logistics costs.
[0011] Document CN209686329U discloses mobile equipment, combined with mobile conveyors for supplying granular material and transporting the filled bags. It is also equipped with a motor, a control system, and vibration for filling. The filled bags are used in flood control and prevention. On the other hand, the present invention allows the manufacture of soil cylinders with small dimensions, which is not the case with document CN209686329U, which allows the filling of large bags. The present invention has a compact format, which will facilitate its movement along the bank as the work front advances. Patent document CN209686329U, however, has dimensions and complementary equipment that allow its circulation on flat terrain, which is not the case for reservoir banks.
[0012] Document CN103290875 discloses a large, motor-driven piece of equipment used for filling large, flexible bags. The equipment operates on an industrial scale and in a fixed location. The equipment is supplied with filling material using heavy machinery. In contrast, the present invention allows for the manufacture of smaller soil cylinders, which is not the case in patent document CN103290875, which allows for the filling of large bags. The present invention has a compact design, which will facilitate its movement along the margin as the work front advances. Document CN103290875, on the other hand, has industrial dimensions and operates on a fixed base. Its operation requires the transport of... Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, p. 7 / 15 6 / 12 filling material is transported to the device installation site using heavy machinery. The present invention allows for obtaining the filling material and filling the cylinder at the intervention site itself, reducing execution and logistics costs.
[0013] Document CN102400451 discloses equipment installed on a fixed base and suitable for filling small-diameter geotextile tubes with mud. The equipment can be operated manually. On the other hand, the present invention allows the manufacture of soil cylinders with small dimensions, which is not the case in patent document CN102400451. The present invention has a compact format, which will facilitate its movement along the bank as the work front advances. In document CN102400451, the installation occurs on a fixed base and its operation requires the transport of the filling material to the installation site of the device. The present invention allows the filling material to be obtained and the cylinder to be filled at the intervention site itself, reducing executive and logistical costs.
[0014] Thus, as can be inferred from the literature reviewed, no documents were found anticipating or suggesting the teachings of the present invention, so the solution proposed here has novelty and inventive activity compared to the state of the art.
[0015] Thus, the present invention makes the control of erosive processes economically viable nationally and globally, since interventions on reservoir banks are very costly, mainly due to access difficulties and the lack of systems and techniques with lower cost and less complexity of use than the state-of-the-art techniques in civil engineering (river embankment, concreting, gabion, etc.), which have high execution and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the technology can be applied to control erosive processes on river slopes or dry slopes / natural hillsides. Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, page 8 / 15 7 / 12 Summary of the Invention
[0016] Thus, the present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a manual modular device for in situ application of soil packages for erosion control and a manual method for in situ application of soil packages for erosion control characterized by comprising a modular device as defined in the present invention.
[0017] In this sense, the present invention makes the control of erosive processes economically viable nationally and globally, since interventions on reservoir banks are expensive mainly due to difficulties of access and the lack of simpler and cheaper systems and techniques than traditional civil engineering techniques (rockfill, concreting, gabions, etc.), which have high execution and maintenance costs.
[0018] In a first object, the present invention discloses a manual modular device for in situ application of soil packages for erosion control characterized by comprising: i) at least one soil package mold; and ii) at least one support structure associated with each longitudinal end of the mold; wherein the mold is rotatable around its own axis, supported on the support structures, in order to project the soil package from its interior downwards.
[0019] In a second object, the present invention discloses a manual method for in situ application of soil packages for erosion control defined by comprising a device as defined in the present invention and by comprising at least the steps of: i) positioning the device in an area subject to erosion; ii) opening the upper portion of the mold; iii) filling the concavity of the lower portion of the mold with geotextile material and soil from the area subject to erosion; iv) closing the upper portion of the mold, forming a soil package inside; v) reopening the upper portion of the mold; and vi) rotating the mold and projecting of Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, page 9 / 15 8 / 12 soil package in the area subject to erosion.
[0020] These and other objects of the invention will be immediately appreciated by those skilled in the art and will be described in detail below. Brief Description of the Figures
[0021] The following figures are presented:
[0022] Figure 1 shows the manual modular device (9) of the present invention, this device (9) being for in situ application of soil packages (8) for the control of erosive processes, comprising: support structure (1), mold (2) and cranks (3).
[0023] Figure 2 shows a side view of the manual modular device (9) for in situ application of soil packages (8) for controlling erosion processes, comprising: support structure (1), mold (2) and cranks (3).
[0024] Figure 3 shows the mold (2) with its upper portion coupled (4) to the lower portion of the mold (5).
[0025] Figure 4 shows the mold (2) with its upper portion decoupled (4) from the lower portion of the mold (5).
[0026] Figure 5 shows the front view of the support structures (1) of the equipment structure.
[0027] Figure 6 shows the side view of the support structures (1) of the equipment structure.
[0028] Figure 7 shows the top view of the support structures (1) of the equipment structure.
[0029] Figure 8 shows the front view of the crank details (3).
[0030] Figure 9 shows the top view of the details of the cranks (3).
[0031] Figure 10 shows the side view of the crank details (3).
[0032] Figure 11 shows the locking pin (6) that prevents the mold (2) from rotating.
[0033] Figure 12 shows a realization of the support structures (1) adjusted to the maximum slope of the terrain (7). Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, page 10 / 15 9 / 12
[0034] Figure 13 shows an example of an erosion control system consisting of longitudinal barriers made with soil packages (8). Detailed Description of the Invention
[0035] In a first object, the present invention discloses a manual modular device (9) for in situ application of soil packages (8) for erosion control characterized by comprising: i) at least one mold (2) for soil packages (8); and ii) at least one support structure (1) associated with each longitudinal end of the mold (2); wherein the mold (2) is rotatable around its own axis, supported on the support structures (1), in order to project the soil package (8) downwards from its interior.
[0036] The present invention consists of equipment comprising at least one support structure (1) and a mold (2) which is coupled at its ends to the support structure (1). In one embodiment, the mold (2) is horizontal semicylindrical and the upper portion of the mold (4) is removable, so that its contents can be discharged by rotating the lower portion of the mold (5). In one embodiment, the coupling of the mold (2) at its ends is carried out by means of cranks (3).
[0037] The manual modular device (9) is compact, modular, easy to transport and operated manually in the field by two operators, enabling access without great effort to more restricted areas and unstable soils. The described is not possible or is an arduous task when using larger equipment with high weight, which may cause slippage during use, difficulty in transport and difficulty in reaching the location where erosion control is desired.
[0038] The manual modular device (9) of the present invention operates on sloping terrain, since the support structures (1) are independently adjustable, adapting to the slope of the terrain.
[0039] The manual modular device (9) serves as a mold (2) for filling soil packets (8). These soil packets (8) are used Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, page 11 / 15 10 / 12 barriers are used to control erosion processes in the water level fluctuation zone on the banks of hydroelectric power plant reservoirs, lakes, or lagoons. They can also be used on riverbanks or dry slopes / natural embankments. These barriers, made of inert materials, should be combined with plant species resistant to partial or total temporary submersion.
[0040] The soil packages (8) are arranged in a constructive arrangement in order to create longitudinal physical barriers installed on the banks of water reservoirs for erosion control. The longitudinal barriers prevent slopes from retreating from the bank (reduction of mandatory Permanent Preservation Area) and from deepening the bank due to fluctuating water levels and wave action.
[0041] In a second object, the present invention discloses a manual method for in situ application of soil packages (8) for erosion control defined by comprising a device (9) as defined in the present invention and comprising at least the steps of: i) positioning the device (9) in an area subject to erosion; ii) filling the concavity of the mold (2) with geotextile material and soil from the area subject to erosion through the hollow region of the upper portion of the mold (4); iii) closing the cylinder inside the mold (2), forming a soil package (8) inside; iv) opening the upper portion of the mold (4); and ev) rotating the mold (2) and projecting the soil package (8) onto the area subject to erosion.
[0042] The method starts with positioning the device in the area subject to erosion, its transport is carried out in a practical and easy way, since it is a manual modular device (9) capable of being carried by two operators due to its low weight.
[0043] After the placement of the manual modular device (9), the concavity of the mold (2) is filled with geotextile material and soil from the area subject to erosion through the hollow region of the upper portion of the mold (4). Then the cylinder is closed inside the mold (2), forming the soil package (8) inside. Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, page 12 / 15 11 / 12
[0044] In this way, after the formation of the soil package (8) the upper portion of the mold (4) is opened, which is rotated in its lower portion (5) by means of the cranks (3), discharging its contents onto the soil in the area subject to erosion.
[0045] It is clear that the proposed invention makes the control of erosive processes economically viable both nationally and globally, since interventions on reservoir banks are expensive mainly due to access difficulties and also due to a lack of simpler and cheaper systems and techniques than traditional civil engineering techniques (river embankment, concreting, gabions, etc.), which have high execution and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the technology can be applied to control erosive processes on riverbanks or dry slopes / natural hillsides. Example - Metal equipment with two adjustable bipods and a horizontal semi-cylindrical housing.
[0046] The examples shown here are intended only to illustrate one of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention, however without limiting its scope.
[0047] With the aim of controlling erosive processes in the water oscillation zone on the banks of hydroelectric power plant reservoirs, two operators are able to carry the compact and modular metal manual modular device (9), weighing approximately 70 kilograms, to a hard-to-reach location and operate it manually. On site, the manual modular device (9) has independently adjustable bipods as its support structure (1), adjustable to the slope of the ground. As illustrated in Figure 12, the angle X of ground slope has a maximum value of 22°.
[0048] The manual modular device (9) consists of a mold (2) in the shape of a horizontal semi-cylindrical box and is supported by independently adjustable bipods. The horizontal semi-cylindrical box is coupled at its ends to cranks (3), so that it can be Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, page 13 / 15 12 / 12 rotated to unload its contents. The top portion of the box (4) is removable, so that its contents can be unloaded by rotating the bottom portion of the box.
[0049] The manual modular device (9) serves as a mold (2) for filling soil cylinders wrapped in geotextile with a length of 1.50 meters and a diameter of 0.30 meters. These soil cylinders (8) used to control the erosive process in the water oscillation zone on the banks of hydroelectric power plant reservoirs can also be used in the water oscillation zone on the banks of lakes or lagoons, as well as riverbanks or dry slopes / natural embankments.
[0050] After the mold (2) is formed and the lower portion of the box (5) is rotated by removing the locking pin (6), the contents are discharged and these soil cylinders (8) are arranged in a constructive arrangement in order to create longitudinal physical barriers installed on the banks of water reservoirs for erosion control.
[0051] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented here and may reproduce the invention in the forms presented and in other variants and alternatives, covered by the scope of the following claims. Petition 870210084814, dated 09 / 15 / 2021, p. 14 / 15
Claims
1 / 2 Claims 1. Manual modular device (9) for in situ application of soil packages (8) for the control of erosive processes characterized by comprising: a. at least one mold (2) for soil packages (8); and b. at least one support structure (1) associated with each longitudinal end of the mold; wherein the mold (2) is rotatable around its own axis, supported on the support structures (1), in order to project downwards the soil package (8) from its interior.
2. Manual modular device (9) for in situ application of soil packages (8) for controlling erosion processes, according to claim 1, characterized by the mold (2) of soil packages (8) comprising semicylindrical geometry, wherein the lower portion of the mold (5) comprises concave geometry and the upper portion of the mold (4) is hollow and detachable from the structure, so that the soil package (8) is filled through the upper portion (4) and, after the soil package (8) is filled and closed, it is discharged into the area subject to erosion when the upper portion of the mold (4) is detached.
3. Manual modular device (9) for in situ application of soil packages (8) for controlling erosion processes, according to claim 1, characterized in that each support structure (1) comprises at least two extensions of adjustable length, wherein the variation in length between each extension of the support structure promotes an angle of inclination of the device that adapts to the slope of the terrain (7).
4. Manual modular device (9) for in situ application of soil packages (8) for controlling erosion processes, according to claim 3, characterized by the support structure (1) promoting a maximum inclination of 22° in relation to the horizontal plane.
5. Manual modular device (9) for in situ application of soil packages Petition 870210048706, dated 05 / 28 / 2021, page 24 / 32 2 / 2 (8) for controlling erosive processes, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a crank (3) at at least one end of the mold (2), wherein the mold (2) is capable of rotating around its own axis under the effect of force applied to at least one crank (3).
6. Manual modular device (9) for in situ application of soil packages (8) for erosion control, according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotational force of the mold (2) is applied manually to the crank (3) by two operators.
7. Manual method for in situ application of soil packages (8) for erosion control characterized by comprising a device (9) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 and by comprising at least the steps of: a. positioning the device (9) in an area subject to erosion; b. filling the concavity of the mold (2) with geotextile material and soil from the area subject to erosion through the hollow region of the upper portion of the mold (4); c. closing the cylinder inside the mold (2), forming a soil package (8) inside; d. opening the upper portion of the mold (4); e. rotating the mold (2) and projecting the soil package (8) onto the area subject to erosion.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterized by comprising an additional step of adjusting the inclination of the device (9) to the inclination of the terrain by means of adjusting the extensions of the support structure (1).
9. Method, according to claim 7, characterized by the mold rotation step (2) comprising the application of manual rotational force by two operators on the cranks (3) of the device. Petition 870210048706, dated 05 / 28 / 2021, page 25 / 32