Compact Digging Machine With Odd-Shaped Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digging machines are large and cumbersome, limiting their use to industrial-scale projects and making them difficult to maneuver in smaller environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact digging machine design featuring a hollow body with independently powered odd-shaped wheels, each equipped with digging members, and optionally including a seed distribution system or computerized guidance system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional excavator designs are used, then digging power and material handling capability are improved, but machine size increases and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The machine body is divided into modular components including a rotatable upper structure, independently powered wheels, and separable digging implements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the upper structure can rotate 360 degrees for versatile operation while the compact wheelbase maintains small overall dimensions for maneuverability in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to digging power through the rotatable upper structure that can elevate digging implements vertically, while the horizontal dimension is minimized through compact wheel arrangement. This multi-dimensional approach provides excavator-like power and versatility without requiring large horizontal footprint, thus maintaining maneuverability in confined areas.
2Power
If large excavator machines are used, then digging capability is improved, but adaptability to different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The machine incorporates multiple digging implements (buckets, grapples, augers) that can be interchangeably mounted on the rotatable upper structure. The independently powered wheels can adapt to various terrain conditions, and the compact size allows operation in both confined urban environments and open areas, providing universal applicability across different work environments and project scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable upper structure provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the digging implements to be oriented in multiple directions without repositioning the entire machine. This dynamic adaptability enables the machine to respond to varying work requirements and environmental conditions, enhancing versatility across different application scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If compact digging machine design is used, then maneuverability is improved, but digging power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hydraulic digging mechanisms with electric motors that directly power the wheels and digging implements. This substitution provides high torque at low speeds for effective digging while eliminating the need for complex hydraulic systems, allowing the compact machine to maintain adequate digging power without increasing size.
Solution Approach 2:
The digging implements utilize composite material construction combining high-strength materials for structural integrity with lighter materials for reduced weight. This allows the compact machine to deliver sufficient digging force while maintaining a small size and good maneuverability, as the composite structures provide high strength-to-weight ratio.
Data Source
AI summary
Digging machine having a body with an at least partially hollow interior and one or more odd-shaped wheels attached to the body, one or more motors disposed inside the body, and each motor can be configured to independently power one of the one or more odd-shaped wheels, where each of the one or more odd-shaped wheels include one or more digging members.