Underground Pipe Jacking With Segmented Soil Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trenchless pipe installation methods face challenges such as high torque requirements, energy inefficiency, and limited applicability across varying pipe diameters and soil conditions, leading to safety concerns, increased costs, and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system combining hydraulic jacking with a pneumatic rammer to generate penetration force, and an independent linear displaceable soil-clearing system that uses rotating auger segments to efficiently extract soil, allowing for versatile installation across different diameters and soil types without the need for continuous augers or high-energy impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a continuous auger system is used to drag soil to the jacking pit, then soil extraction is achieved, but torque requirements increase significantly and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous auger into multiple discrete auger sections that can be independently positioned and operated. Each section processes soil locally rather than requiring a single continuous auger to drag all soil the entire distance, reducing the torque required at any given point and improving energy efficiency while maintaining soil extraction productivity.
2Productivity
If high torque is applied to cut ground and move augers, then pipe installation is achieved, but safety risks increase due to machine flipping
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the auger system into multiple sections that operate independently, the patent reduces the concentrated torque requirements. Each section handles a portion of the soil removal task, distributing the mechanical load and reducing the risk of machine instability and flipping, thereby improving operational safety while maintaining ground cutting effectiveness.
3Productivity
If a complete set of augers with similar diameter is used, then soil extraction is achieved, but adaptability to different pipe diameters decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple discrete auger sections that can be selectively positioned and configured for different pipe diameters. Each section can be independently adjusted or removed, allowing the system to adapt to various pipe sizes without requiring a complete replacement of the auger set, thereby improving versatility while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The auger sections are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the specific pipe diameter and soil conditions. This dynamic adjustability enables the same equipment to efficiently handle multiple pipe sizes and soil types, enhancing both adaptability and productivity.
4Productivity
If static pushing force is applied to jack pipes through the ground, then pipe installation is achieved, but penetration force is insufficient for cutting ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pneumatic rammer that delivers periodic impact forces to supplement the static hydraulic jacking force. These rhythmic impacts create additional penetration force to break through the ground, while the continuous hydraulic pressure maintains pipe advancement, combining both force types to achieve effective ground penetration and pipe installation.
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 approach enhances energy efficiency, reduces the risk of accidents, and enables effective installation in a wide range of soil conditions, including unstable soils, by minimizing energy losses and allowing for higher static force application without thickening pipe materials.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic rammer is used to generate a cyclical force (e.g., a series of percussive impacts) to a rail-mounted main jacking frame
Implementation Method 2
The main jacking frame is assisted by a set of hydraulic jacks, which add hydraulic pushing force to the main jacking frame
Implementation Method 3
The soil-clearing system includes a rod-auger assembly driven by a hydraulic motor or another rotating actuator to drag dirt during operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for installing pipe underground are disclosed. The system includes a pneumatic rammer configured to provide a percussive force to a section of pipe. The system also includes a main jacking frame coupled to the pneumatic rammer, the main jacking frame including a surface for contacting the section of pipe. The system also includes one or more hydraulic jacks coupled to the main jacking frame and configured to provide a hydraulic force to the section of pipe. The system also includes a set of tracks coupled to the main jacking frame, the set of tracks permitting the main jacking frame to slide in a longitudinal direction. An independently displaceable soil-clearing system can be included to clear dirt coming inside the pipe during the installation and add extra jacking force as needed.