Integrated Trench Cutting Apparatus for Continuous Seabed Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trench cutting vehicles face challenges when switching between different soil and rock types, leading to issues with cable slack and inefficiencies due to the need to lift and reposition cutting tools, resulting in increased tension and reduced trenching speed.
Innovation Solution
A trench cutting apparatus that can seamlessly switch between mechanical and jet cutting modes using a central support element with jetting outlets and a cutting element that can be driven around it, allowing for continuous cutting without the need to lift the vehicle, with the cutting element's position fixed during jet cutting mode to align jetting outlets with openings for efficient fluidization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the trench cutting vehicle is lifted from the seabed to replace the cutting tool, then different soil and rock types can be cut with appropriate tools, but cable slack problems occur and the cable is continually lifted and placed back down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both the jetting device and chain cutter into a single integrated cutting device. The jetting device can fluidize sandy soils while the chain cutter can mechanically cut harder rocks, allowing the system to handle different soil and rock types without requiring tool replacement. This merging eliminates the need to lift the vehicle from the seabed and prevents cable slack problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both jetting and mechanical cutting operations. The jetting outlets can be activated to fluidize material, while the chain cutter can be engaged for mechanical cutting. This universal design allows the same device to adapt to different cutting conditions without requiring separate tools or vehicle repositioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting tool is replaced by lifting the vehicle from the seabed, then the appropriate cutting tool can be selected for the soil type, but trenching speed decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cutting device enables continuous trenching operations without interruptions. The vehicle remains in contact with the seabed throughout the process, and the cutting device can seamlessly switch between jetting and mechanical cutting modes depending on the material encountered. This continuity eliminates the need to lift and reposition the vehicle, maintaining high trenching speed.
3Reliability
If the cable is lifted to avoid damage from the chain cutter, then cable safety is improved, but increased tension occurs on the cable during tool replacement
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the jetting device and chain cutter into a single integrated unit, the system eliminates the need to lift the vehicle for tool replacement. The cable remains continuously supported and paid out from the reel, avoiding the repeated lifting and placing that causes increased tension and potential damage.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate jetting and mechanical cutting devices are used, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but device complexity increases and tool swapping becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the jetting device and chain cutter into a single integrated cutting device. The jetting outlets are positioned to face forward, and the chain cutter is arranged to rotate around a central support element. This integration maintains the functional optimization of both tools while reducing the overall number of separate devices required.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can perform both jetting and mechanical cutting operations. The jetting outlets can be activated for fluidizing sandy soils, while the chain cutter can be engaged for cutting harder materials. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optimized tools.
5Ease of manufacture
If material falls between the chain cutter and jetting tool during tool replacement, then an eductor is required to remove material, but this adds to the complexity of the system
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the jetting device and chain cutter into a single unit with no gap between them, the system eliminates the space where material could fall and accumulate. The jetting outlets and chain cutter are positioned adjacent to each other, preventing material from becoming trapped and requiring additional removal equipment.
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 reduces cable slack issues, allows for quicker tool changes, better control of the bend radius of pipes or cables, and enables faster trench formation by maintaining continuous cutting without interruptions, thus improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a jet cutting mode in which a pump is activated to eject fluid from the at least one jetting outlet to fluidize or cut material forward of the trench cutting apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A trench cutting apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising a central support element comprising at least one jetting outlet and a cutting element configured to be driven around the central support element. The trench cutting apparatus is configured to be operable in a mechanical cutting mode in which the cutting element is driven around the central support element to cut material forward of the trench cutting apparatus, and a jet cutting mode in which a pump is activated to eject fluid from the at least one jetting outlet to fluidize or cut material forward of the trench cutting apparatus.