Dredge System Self-Priming Pump Conduit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dredging processes require multiple steps, including loosening, extracting, transporting, and disposing of material, which increases time and expense, and are inefficient in handling dry materials.
Innovation Solution
A dredge system comprising a dredger with a self-priming pump and conduit that allows for the simultaneous loosening, extraction, and transportation of material to a receptacle, utilizing a bucket excavator with a grate and agitator for material processing, and a remotely located self-priming pump for efficient material handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional dredging uses separate steps for loosening, extracting, transporting and disposing material, then each step can be optimized independently, but the overall process requires more time and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dredging operations (loosening, extracting, transporting) into a single integrated system where the excavator bucket with integrated pump and conduit performs all functions in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate dredging vessels and operations
Solution Approach 2:
The excavator bucket is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the digging tool and the material containment chamber, while the integrated pump system handles both priming and material transport, making the equipment universally capable of complete dredging operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a self-priming pump is used to handle dry materials, then the pump can effectively transport dry and slurry materials, but the pump requires special design features to prevent air locks and ensure priming
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system incorporates dynamic priming capabilities where the pump can automatically prime itself by creating negative pressure to draw material in, and the conduit system includes features that dynamically adapt to handle both dry and slurry materials through variable flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit acts as an intermediary between the bucket and pump, designed with specific features to facilitate smooth material transition and prevent air locks, while the self-priming mechanism serves as an intermediary process to prepare the pump for handling different material types
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 integrated system reduces the time and expense of dredging by enabling a single-process solution for material loosening, extraction, and transportation, and effectively handles both dry and slurry materials with improved efficiency and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The self-priming pump is coupled to the conduit and is configured to pump the material from the outlet to the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A dredge system includes a dredger, a conduit and a self-priming pump. The dredger has an internal area and an outlet, and is configured to feed material into the internal area of the dredger. The conduit is coupled to the dredger adjacent the outlet and configured to transport the material from the internal area of the dredger to a receptacle. The self-priming pump is coupled to the conduit and is configured to pump the material from the outlet to the receptacle.