Boring Shield with External Screw Auger for Concrete Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boring machines face challenges in installing larger diameter pipelines with rough exterior surfaces underground due to contact with the interior pipe surface, inefficient earth transport, and limited steering capabilities, making them unsuitable for concrete pipes and longer distances.
Innovation Solution
A boring shield apparatus with a rotating drum and screw auger system that transfers excavated earth through a carrier tube outside the pipe sections, combined with hydraulic steering mechanisms for precise alignment and safety, allowing for larger diameter and longer pipeline installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional boring machine with internal screw auger is used, then small diameter smooth pipe can be installed, but the rotating auger contacts the pipe interior making it unsuitable for concrete pipe and creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The screw auger is extracted from the pipe interior and relocated to the exterior of the pipe. The auger now operates outside the pipe sections, eliminating contact with the pipe interior while maintaining its earth removal function. This allows installation of concrete pipes with rough interiors without damage or safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier tube is introduced as an intermediary structure that transports excavated earth from the drill head location to the rear of the boring machine. This carrier tube allows earth to be moved efficiently without requiring the auger to be positioned inside the pipe, enabling safe installation of concrete pipes.
2Ease of operation
If the excavation cross-section is made larger than the pipe section to ease pushing, then pipe installation becomes easier, but earth removal becomes more difficult without an internal auger
Solution Approach 1:
The screw auger is taken out from inside the pipe and positioned outside, where it can efficiently remove earth from the enlarged excavation cross-section. The carrier tube then transports this earth to the rear of the machine, solving both the ease of pipe pushing and earth removal efficiency problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier tube serves as an intermediary transport mechanism that bridges the gap between the enlarged excavation area and the pipe location. It efficiently moves the increased volume of excavated earth without interfering with pipe installation operations.
3Device complexity
If a simple frame supporting the rotary cutting head is inserted into the pipe, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide steering capabilities for longer distance installations
Solution Approach 1:
The boring machine is segmented into distinct functional modules: a drill head assembly for excavation, a carrier tube for earth transport, and a steering mechanism with hydraulic cylinders. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier tube acts as an intermediary structure that connects the drill head to the rear of the machine while allowing relative movement. This enables the drill head and steering mechanism to operate independently, providing steering capability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional boring machines are used for deeper pipelines, then surface excavation is avoided, but the machines cannot handle rough surface concrete pipes efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The screw auger is extracted from the pipe interior and repositioned on the exterior, where it can efficiently remove earth during installation of concrete pipes with rough interiors. This eliminates the productivity limitation while maintaining the ability to install pipelines at deep locations.
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
Enhances efficiency and worker safety by preventing earth from entering the pipe and enabling precise steering, suitable for larger diameter and rough surface pipelines, including concrete pipes, with improved alignment and longer installation capabilities compared to conventional machines.
Implementation Method 1
a screw auger contained inside a carrier tube extending backwards from the drill head... conveyed by means of the screw auger backwards through the pipeline sections
Implementation Method 2
the boring shield pivots with respect to itself via hydraulic cylinders to enable the operator to steer the boring shield along the desired pipeline pathway
Data Source
AI summary
A boring shield apparatus for attachment to a boring machine/jack for installing pipe sections underground is provided by this invention. Such invention comprises drill heads and a screw auger that rotate with respect to a non-rotating exterior housing. When the boring shield is operatively connected to the boring machine jack and moved forward into contact with the earth along the desired underground pathway for the pipeline, dirt is excavated by means of the rotating drill head and transferred inside a self-contained screw auger whereupon it is pushed safely away from the boring shield and boring machine. This boring shield apparatus pivots with respect to itself for enhanced steering capacity. It accommodates pipelines of larger diameter and length and rough exterior surface.