Digging Equipment Segmented Hydraulic Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep diaphragm digging equipment faces issues with hydraulic system contamination due to immersion in stabilizing fluid, leading to mechanical failures, high maintenance costs, and extended downtime, especially in urban environments with limited space and high power requirements.
Innovation Solution
The equipment is designed with separate and independent hydraulic circuits for service and digging apparatuses, incorporating advanced filtering and recycling systems to prevent contamination spread and provide real-time alarm signals for operator intervention, ensuring continuous operation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic actuators and pipes are immersed in stabilizing fluid for digging operations, then digging functionality is enabled, but hydraulic system contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into two separate and independent circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for service apparatuses that remains outside the excavation, and a second hydraulic circuit for digging apparatuses that is immersed in the stabilizing fluid. This segmentation prevents contamination from spreading to the entire hydraulic system, isolating the digging circuit's exposure to fluid while protecting the service circuit.
2Device complexity
If a single hydraulic circuit is used for both service and digging apparatuses, then system simplicity is maintained, but contamination spreads throughout the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into two separate and independent circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for service apparatuses that remains outside the excavation, and a second hydraulic circuit for digging apparatuses that is immersed in the stabilizing fluid. This segmentation prevents contamination from spreading to the entire hydraulic system, isolating the digging circuit's exposure to fluid while protecting the service circuit.
3Reliability
If hydraulic components are replaced and oil is replaced after contamination, then system restoration is achieved, but machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into two separate and independent circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for service apparatuses that remains outside the excavation, and a second hydraulic circuit for digging apparatuses that is immersed in the stabilizing fluid. This segmentation prevents contamination from spreading to the entire hydraulic system, isolating the digging circuit's exposure to fluid while protecting the service circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a filtering device that can be connected to the first hydraulic circuit to filter and recover the hydraulic oil, removing contaminating particles and allowing the oil to be reused. This reduces the need for complete oil replacement and component restoration, thereby minimizing machine downtime.
4Power
If external power-pack is added to base machine for high power digging, then digging power is increased, but machine dimensions and manoeuvring space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power for both service apparatuses and digging apparatuses is provided by a single power source integrated into the base machine, rather than adding a separate external power-pack. The hydraulic system uses a single pump assembly that supplies both the first hydraulic circuit for service functions and the second hydraulic circuit for digging functions, eliminating the need for additional external equipment and maintaining compact dimensions suitable for urban environments.
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
This solution minimizes contamination risks, reduces downtime and maintenance costs, enhances energy efficiency, and maintains equipment functionality, allowing for efficient deep diaphragm panel construction in urban environments with compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic actuators are thus subjected to an external pressure equal to the hydrostatic pressure of the stabilizing fluid and it is possible for the digging fluid, pushed by hydrostatic pressure, to penetrate into those components of the hydraulic circuit that are at lower pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes digging equipment (1) of the type comprising a self-propelled base machine (2) provided with at least one arm (6) that supports at least one digging tool (3). The digging tool (3) is in turn provided with at least one device (10, 11) for crumbling soil. The digging tool (3) is operatively connected to the base machine (2) through a suspending flexible element (7) that can be wound or unwound by means of a winch (8) arranged on such a base machine (2). The base machine (2) also comprises a main power engine (17), capable of supplying the mechanical power required to actuate all the hydraulic apparatuses of the digging equipment (1), and a hydraulic system consisting of two independent and separate hydraulic circuits (S; U). A first hydraulic circuit (S) is configured to control and supply the main service apparatuses of the base machine (2), including at least a movement apparatus for moving the digging tool (3). A second hydraulic circuit (U), on the other hand, is configured to control and supply the main digging apparatuses of the digging tool (3), including at least the actuators of the device (10, 11) for crumbling soil.