Electric Trash Rake for Intake Rack Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trash rake systems for clearing debris from intake screens in water intake systems are limited by their reliance on hydraulic mechanisms, which can cause pollution and are not fully powered in all operating conditions, especially in cold weather, and require secondary systems for debris disposal.
Innovation Solution
A fully powered trash rake system using electrical motors for all operations, including positioning, debris removal, and disposal, eliminating hydraulic fluid leaks and ensuring operation across all temperature and weather conditions, featuring a telescoping boom with independently operable electric motors for vertical movement and tilting, and a hand-held or automated control unit for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic mechanisms are used to power trash rake operations, then powerful debris removal is achieved, but pollution risk increases due to hydraulic fluid leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic mechanisms with an electric motor-driven winch system. The winch winds and unwinds a cable to lower and raise the trash rake, eliminating hydraulic fluid and its associated pollution risks while maintaining the powerful debris removal capability through electric motor torque.
2Power
If hydraulic mechanisms are used for trash rake operation, then powerful cleaning is achieved, but reliability decreases in cold weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic systems with an electric motor and winch mechanism. Electric motors maintain consistent performance across temperature ranges, unlike hydraulic fluid which becomes viscous in cold weather. The winch-cable system provides reliable mechanical advantage for powering the trash rake through all weather conditions.
3Extent of automation
If hydraulic systems are used for trash rake positioning and operation, then automated control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic systems with a simpler electric motor-driven winch mechanism. The winch controls the vertical positioning of the trash rake through cable winding, providing automated control capability with fewer components, less maintenance, and reduced overall system complexity compared to hydraulic actuation systems.
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
The system provides effective, pollution-free, and fully powered debris removal from intake racks under all conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for secondary disposal systems.
Implementation Method 1
A trash rake system in accordance with the present invention is fully powered in all phases of operation and provides full powered motion using electric motors only
Data Source
AI summary
A powered trash rake system for clearing debris from intake racks used for screening debris from water intakes and other similar structures. The trash rake system includes a telescoping boom mounted to a movable carriage support structure. Electric motors are provided to move the carriage support structure to desired positions along the intake rack to be cleaned and to operate the telescoping boom to move a trash rake structure under power vertically along the trash rack to remove debris therefrom.