Electric Excavation Drum Drive With Coaxial Reducer for Deep Diaphragms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavation tools for deep panel or diaphragm construction face inefficiencies due to energy dissipation in hydraulic power lines, inadequate starting torque, and space constraints, leading to reduced performance and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a brushless electric motor with a mechanical reducer, specifically cycloidal or epicycloidal types, to drive excavation drums, eliminating hydraulic hoses and incorporating a cooling system to optimize power transmission and reduce maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If hydraulic motors are used to drive excavation drums, then power transmission is achieved, but energy dissipation occurs in hydraulic power lines reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic motor system with an electric motor system. Instead of using hydraulic power lines that dissipate energy, the invention uses electrical power lines to supply power to electric motors mounted on the excavation tool. This substitution eliminates the energy loss associated with hydraulic fluid friction and compression in long power lines, thereby improving overall system efficiency and excavation productivity.
2Force
If hydraulic motors are used, then power transmission is possible, but starting torque is inadequate for excavation drums
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic motors with electric motors that are capable of delivering high starting torque. Electric motors inherently provide maximum torque at zero speed, which is ideal for breaking through stationary soil and rock. This substitution ensures reliable motor performance under varying load conditions and eliminates the torque deficiency experienced with hydraulic motors during startup phases of excavation.
3Device complexity
If hydraulic power lines are used to supply power, then excavation tool can be powered, but space is consumed and maintenance is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic power transmission system with a simpler electrical power transmission system. Electrical cables are more compact, easier to route and protect, and require significantly less maintenance compared to hydraulic hoses and fittings. This substitution reduces device complexity, minimizes space requirements on the excavation tool, and eliminates maintenance issues related to hydraulic fluid leakage, contamination, and hose degradation.
4Temperature
If hydraulic motors are used, then excavation can proceed, but cooling requirements are not adequately met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic motors with electric motors that have superior cooling characteristics. Electric motors generate less heat and can be more effectively cooled through direct mounting on heat sinks or integration with the excavation tool's cooling systems. This substitution improves motor operational reliability by preventing overheating during continuous excavation operations, especially in high-load conditions where thermal management is critical.
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 enhances excavation efficiency by minimizing energy loss, providing higher torque and reliability, reducing maintenance requirements, and optimizing space usage, resulting in improved performance and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical reducer (30, 50), operationally connected to said at least one electric motor (20) and to said at least one excavation drum (13), which mechanical reducer (30, 50) is adapted to transfer the rotary motion from said at least one electric motor (20) to said at least one excavation drum (13)
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a cooling system to optimize power transmission and reduce maintenance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Excavation tool (3) for making ground excavations for panels and diaphragms, comprising: at least one rotary excavation drum (13); at least one frame (12) adapted to support said at least one excavation drum (13); at least one pump (14), adapted for suction of an excavation fluid; at least one brushless electric motor (20), adapted to put in rotation said at least one excavation drum (13); and at least one mechanical reducer (30, 50), operationally connected to said at least one electric motor (20) and said at least one excavation drum (13). Said electric motor (20) being installed in said frame (12) and being coaxial to said at least one excavation drum (13) . Said at least one mechanical reducer (30, 50) being coaxial to said at least one electric motor (20) and said at least one excavation drum (13). Said at least one mechanical reducer (30, 50) being adapted to transfer the rotary motion from said at least one electric motor (20) to said at least one excavation drum (13) .