Excavator Stabilizing System for Trench Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavators used for slurry wall digging face inefficiencies due to the need for large, expensive machines to handle both shallow and deep depths, leading to increased operational costs and safety risks, as well as limitations in operating multiple machines on the same heading, resulting in slowed production and excessive equipment mobilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an extended center frame and trench support system that widens the excavator's footprint and reduces ground pressure, allowing for safer operation and simultaneous use of multiple excavators on the same heading, thereby reducing costs and enhancing production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a larger excavator is used to dig both shallow and deep trenches, then the capability to handle maximum depths is improved, but the operational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The project is divided into two segments: shallow trench excavation handled by a smaller excavator and deep trench excavation handled by a larger excavator. This segmentation allows each machine to operate within its optimal capacity, avoiding the waste of using a large excavator for shallow work while ensuring deep work can be completed when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different excavator sizes based on the specific excavation requirements. The smaller excavator is deployed for shallow trenches while the larger excavator is deployed for deep trenches, creating a flexible, adaptive workflow that optimizes costs based on actual project needs rather than being constrained by a single machine size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger excavator operates in an open continuous trench, then the digging capability is improved, but the risk of trench collapse increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mat is introduced as an intermediary element between the excavator and the ground. The mat serves as a load-distributing platform that allows the heavy excavator to operate without directly compromising trench stability. The mat spreads the excavator's weight over a larger area, reducing ground pressure and preventing trench collapse while still enabling the larger excavator to perform its digging function.
3Stress or pressure
If mats are used to support the excavator, then the ground pressure is reduced, but the time required to move and position mats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mat system is designed to be self-positioning through the excavator's own movement. As the excavator moves forward, the mat automatically follows and repositions itself without requiring separate manual handling or repositioning operations. This self-service capability eliminates the time loss associated with manually moving and positioning mats while still providing the necessary ground pressure reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A support system for an excavator is disclosed as it may include an extended center frame, a trench support, and/or a mat. The extended center frame may be bolted onto a standard excavator to widen the overall footprint of the machine and reduce ground pressure. The trench support relieves any remaining pressure toward the open trench. The extended center frame enables a larger excavator to straddle an open trench, while at the same time a smaller excavator can dig the shallower depths, thereby increasing efficiencies. By implementing the trench support and/or the mat, it might not be necessary to widen the tracks of the excavator as far, thus further reducing time-related costs. In addition, the trench support may also enhance safety of the trenching operations.