Modular Excavation Device for Confined Space Trenching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing civil engineering devices are limited in their ability to operate in cramped spatial conditions, such as tunnels or areas with low ceiling heights, due to their large mast and trench wall cutter height, which restricts their application and efficiency in creating slots or bores.
Innovation Solution
A civil engineering device composed of modular components that can be transported and assembled on-site, allowing for a compact design with a support structure that enables vertical and horizontal movement, including pedestrian passages, to facilitate operation in tight spaces and allow for the creation of deep recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a large mast and trench wall cutter are used to create deep recesses, then excavation depth capability is improved, but the device cannot operate in confined spaces with low ceiling heights
Solution Approach 1:
The trench cutter is divided into multiple device modules (first device module with milling wheels, second device module with drive unit, third device module with guide frame) that can be assembled in sections. This segmentation allows the cutter to achieve great excavation depths while being transportable and assembleable in confined spaces with limited ceiling heights
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large vertical structure to a modular assembly that can be transported horizontally and assembled vertically. The device modules are designed to be assembled in a confined space and then extended vertically to achieve the required excavation depth, effectively changing the dimension of assembly versus operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trench cutter is made compact to fit in confined spaces, then adaptability to confined spaces is improved, but the cutter wheel size and guide frame dimensions are reduced limiting excavation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter is segmented into multiple device modules that can be assembled in sequence. Each individual module has compact dimensions suitable for confined spaces, but when assembled together they form a complete cutter with sufficient cutter wheel size and guide frame dimensions to maintain full excavation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device modules are designed with adjustable and extendable components. The guide frame can be extended vertically after assembly in confined spaces, and the cutter wheels can be positioned at optimal depths, allowing the system to dynamically adapt from a compact assembly state to a full-size operational state
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular design with multiple device modules is used to enable transportability, then ease of transport is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trench cutter is divided into a small number of functional device modules (first module with milling wheels, second module with drive unit, third module with guide frame) that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation improves transportability while maintaining relatively simple assembly procedures through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The device modules are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized mounting arrangements that allow them to be assembled in various configurations. This universality reduces the overall complexity by using repeated modular components rather than custom-designed unique parts for each section
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a civil engineering device for removing soil, which is formed with several device modules, with a removal device which is built from at least two device modules, and a support structure for suspending and moving the removal device in a vertical direction to form a recess in the ground, wherein a passageway for persons is formed in and/or on at least two device modules, which enables a person to pass horizontally along the at least two device modules.