Automated Gate Soil Collection Attachment for Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavation cleanup devices require manual labor to collect and transport excavated materials, as they lack automated means for opening and closing the collection aperture and attachment to movable equipment, making the process time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A soil collection attachment with an automated gate operated by a hydraulic cylinder, allowing the operator to control the gate from the equipment's control area, enabling automated collection, transport, and disposal of excavated materials without manual labor, and capable of collecting material from multiple holes before disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used to collect and transport excavated materials with a wheel barrow, then the collection process can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of shoveling and pushing wheel barrows with an automated mechanical system. The excavator-mounted apparatus automatically collects excavated material through a receptacle that receives material directly from the excavation device, eliminating the need for manual labor and significantly improving productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables self-service operation where the excavation equipment itself performs the cleanup function. The receptacle is mounted on the excavator and can be positioned and emptied automatically, allowing the machine to serve its own cleanup needs without external manual intervention, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing time consumption.
2Ease of operation
If a collection tray with an open aperture is used, then excavated material can be collected, but the aperture remains open during transport causing material to fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the aperture dynamically controllable rather than statically open. A gate mechanism is incorporated that can automatically open to receive excavated material and then close to contain it during transport. This dynamic adjustment ensures both easy collection and reliable containment, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
3Reliability
If a manual gate closing mechanism is used, then the aperture can be closed after excavation, but it requires additional manual labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual gate operation with an automated mechanical system controlled by the excavator's existing controls. The gate mechanism is integrated with the excavator's hydraulic or electrical system, allowing automatic opening and closing without requiring separate manual intervention. This reduces device complexity from a purely manual system to an integrated automated system while maintaining reliable aperture closure.
4Ease of operation
If excavated material is disposed of immediately after each hole, then the collection process is simple, but multiple trips are required increasing time and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing the receptacle to accumulate excavated material from multiple holes before a single disposal action is required. The apparatus maintains continuous collection capability while eliminating the need for frequent trips to disposal locations. This continuity of useful action significantly improves productivity by reducing the frequency of interruptive disposal operations while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Significantly reduces the time and labor required for collecting and transporting excavated materials by enabling automated operation, allowing for efficient collection and disposal of soil, sand, and clay from multiple holes using movable equipment like skid steer loaders.
Implementation Method 1
The gate is automated. In a preferred embodiment, the gate is operated by a hydraulic cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
A soil collection attachment for movable equipment is described. The soil collection attachment includes a bucket including a bottom panel having an aperture, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an excavation device such as an auger. A gate which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder is attached to the bottom panel. In a closed position, the gate covers the aperture to prevent excavation materials from falling through the aperture.