Excavation Linkage for Integrated Coring and Vacuum Operations
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavation apparatuses for coring or drilling concrete or paved ground surfaces often require separate units or towed equipment, which can complicate operations and limit the integration of coring and vacuuming functions on a single vehicle, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational needs.
Innovation Solution
An excavation apparatus featuring a supporting linkage mountable to a vehicle, with a rotary spindle that can be lowered and raised relative to the ground surface, maintaining a vertical cutting axis, and a motor-driven cutting element, allowing for integrated coring and vacuuming functions without compromising either operation, and eliminating the need for separate coring units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate coring units or towed equipment are used, then coring function can be provided, but device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to multiple units and limited integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coring apparatus and vacuum excavation apparatus into a single integrated vehicle-mounted system. The coring spindle assembly is mounted on the vehicle chassis alongside the vacuum system, allowing both functions to be performed by one unit rather than requiring separate coring equipment or towed attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow the coring apparatus to be integrated with the vacuum system. The supporting linkage and spindle assembly can be positioned and operated in coordination with the vacuum excavation functions, enabling the single vehicle to perform multiple excavation tasks without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Ease of operation
If the rotary spindle is lowered to ground surface for coring operations, then coring function is enabled, but interference with vacuuming functions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coring apparatus is segmented into distinct components including the rotary spindle, cutting head, and supporting linkage, which are separately mounted on the vehicle chassis. This segmentation allows the coring components to be positioned independently from the vacuum system, enabling coring operations at ground level without interfering with vacuum excavation functions that operate from elevated positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coring spindle is designed to operate in a different spatial dimension than the vacuum system. The rotary spindle lowers vertically to the ground surface for coring operations, while the vacuum system operates from elevated positions. This dimensional separation in vertical space allows both functions to coexist without interference.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cutting head is positioned vertically for coring, then coring precision is improved, but adaptability to different operation angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting linkage connecting the rotary spindle to the vehicle chassis is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities. The linkage includes pivot points and articulation mechanisms that allow the cutting axis angle to be adjusted from vertical to various inclined positions. This dynamic positioning system maintains precise cutting alignment while adapting to different operation angles required for various coring applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An excavation apparatus includes a supporting linkage mountable to a vehicle, and a rotary spindle operable to drive a coring element about a cutting axis. The supporting linkage supports the rotary spindle and is operable to displace the rotary spindle relative to a ground surface. The supporting linkage can lower the rotary spindle to a deployed position and raise the rotary spindle to a stored position. The cutting axis can be maintained in a vertical direction in the deployed and stored positions. The rotary spindle can move relative to the supporting linkage about a hinge axis. The hinge axis can be generally parallel to the vertical direction.