Micro-Trenching Hopper Applicator for Precise Backfill Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and repair of micro-trenches for cables and conduits are inefficient due to the difficulty in handling and pouring rapid-setting flowable backfill mixtures, which often result in voids and overflow, requiring extensive clean-up and increasing construction interruption times.
Innovation Solution
The development of applicators with an open-container hopper, hose connector, adjustable outlet, and optional skirt and sliding door to control mixture flow and overflow, allowing for precise and efficient backfilling of micro-trenches with a cement-based mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional equipment and methods are used for backfilling trenches, then multiple machines are required for placing and compacting backfill, but this increases device complexity and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple backfilling operations (placing, compacting, and screeding) into a single integrated machine that performs all functions in one pass, eliminating the need for separate machines and operators for each operation
Solution Approach 2:
The backfilling machine is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform placement, compaction, and surface leveling operations simultaneously, making it a universal device that replaces multiple specialized machines
2Manufacturing precision
If flowable backfill mixture is used for rapid setting, then flow control is improved, but continuous agitation is required which increases device complexity and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The mixture is prepared and loaded into the hopper in advance, and the applicator is positioned at the trench before pouring begins, allowing the mixture to be discharged immediately without requiring continuous agitation during transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables rapid discharge of the mixture through a large opening directly into the trench, minimizing the time the mixture spends in transit and eliminating the need for continuous agitation to prevent hardening
3Productivity
If a large opening is used for pouring backfill mixture, then pouring speed is improved, but mixture overflow increases which worsens loss of substance and requires more clean-up
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator features a large opening for rapid pouring combined with localized containment elements (skirt and plate) positioned specifically at the trench perimeter to catch and redirect any overflowing mixture back into the trench
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt and plate structures that initially seem to be added for containment actually serve to convert potential waste (overflow) into useful material by redirecting it back into the trench, reducing both loss and clean-up requirements
4Loss of substance
If narrow trench opening is used for precise backfilling, then mixture overflow is reduced, but pouring difficulty increases which worsens ease of operation and creates voids
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates adjustable components including a movable plate and flexible skirt that can be dynamically positioned and adjusted during operation to match varying trench widths and depths, optimizing the pouring process for different conditions
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 applicators enable quick and efficient backfilling of micro-trenches by reducing air-voids and overflow, allowing for single-pass backfilling and minimizing post-backfill manipulation and clean-up, thereby reducing construction closure times.
Implementation Method 1
A cement-based flowable fill mixture flows into the hopper via the hose connector
Implementation Method 2
The hopper includes an outlet opening that is configured to discharge the cement-based mixture from the hopper
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for a cement-based mixture includes an open container hopper having a first end disposed above a second end along a first direction. The open container hopper elongated along a second direction. The second end of the open container hopper is configured as an outlet for the cement-based mixture. A handle is coupled to one side of the open container hopper. A hose connector is coupled to another side of the open container hopper. The hose connector is configured to allow the cement-based mixture to flow into the open container hopper. A frame having a pair of wheels supports the open container hopper such that the second end is positionable above a trench for backfilling. A height adjustor is coupled between the frame and the open container hopper. The height adjustor is configured to selectively adjust a height of the second end along the first direction.