Modular Excavation Machine Transported in Standard Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The large dimensions and high weight of conventional excavation machines make them difficult to transport over long distances and limit their access to sites with restricted space, particularly in urban areas where civil engineering works need to minimize disruption.

Innovation Solution

The excavation machine is modular, allowing its components to be assembled on-site using quick fastening means and transported in standard containers, with a lifting module, displacement module, and control cabin designed to fit within ISO-compliant dimensions, enabling easier movement and assembly in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the excavation machine is designed as a one-piece welded structure, then the machine achieves structural strength and stability, but the machine becomes difficult to transport over long distances and cannot access sites with limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtransportability and site accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The excavation machine is divided into multiple detachable modules including a lifting module, displacement module, and control cabin. Each module can be independently transported in standard containers and quickly assembled on-site using quick fastening means, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and transportability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the machine dimensions are increased to accommodate all components, then the machine has sufficient operational capacity, but the machine cannot be transported in standard containers or access confined sites

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational capacityVSAvoidmachine dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is segmented into functional modules that can be transported separately in standard containers and assembled on-site, allowing sufficient operational capacity without requiring large transport dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine transitions from a static one-piece structure to a dynamic modular configuration that can be disassembled for transport and reassembled for operation, adapting its form to different operational and transport requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If the machine weight is increased to provide sufficient lifting and excavation capability, then the machine achieves required operational performance, but the machine becomes expensive and difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting and excavation capabilityVSAvoidmachine weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into modules that can be transported separately, reducing the weight burden on any single transport vehicle and lowering overall transportation costs while maintaining total operational capability through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2077355B1Bagger, der in Containern transportiert werden kann
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET SAS
  • EP2077355B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2077355B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2077355B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The machine (10) has a platform (12) provided with a rapid fixation unit e.g. pin fixation unit, and a lifting arm (18) for lifting a drilling tool (20). The lifting arm includes another rapid fixation unit cooperating with the former fixation unit. A hydraulic assembly (15) includes supplying and circulating units for supplying and circulating fluid in flexible conduits and a flexible tube. The tool, the platform, the arm and the assembly have dimensions for permitting each of the tool, the platform, the arm and the assembly to be placed in a container having standard dimensions.