Rack and Pinion Trash Rake Angular Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trash rake systems are inefficient in positioning themselves adjacent to intake racks at angles and in transporting debris to disposal locations without secondary systems, leading to increased costs and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A trash rake system featuring a track system with parallel tracks, a movable support structure with a telescopic boom, and a drive mechanism powered by a rack and pinion system, along with a controller that uses proximity sensors to navigate and position the trash rake effectively, allowing for automated or manual operation and efficient debris removal and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional trash rake system is used to clear debris from intake racks, then debris removal function is provided, but the system cannot efficiently position itself adjacent to intake racks at angles or transport debris to disposal locations without secondary systems
Solution Approach 1:
The trash rake system transitions from linear movement only to two-dimensional movement by incorporating curved track sections that enable angular positioning. The track system includes curved sections with radii of curvature that allow the trash rake to position itself at various angles adjacent to the intake rack, solving the limitation of traditional straight-track systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the positioning function and debris transport function into a single integrated track system. The track system with curved sections simultaneously enables angular positioning of the trash rake and transports debris to disposal locations, eliminating the need for separate secondary systems that were previously required.
2Power
If hydraulic systems are used to power the trash rake, then full-powered operation is achieved, but hydraulic fluid leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric drive system. Electric motors mounted on the trash rake power the rack and pinion drive mechanism, providing full-powered operation without hydraulic fluid, thereby eliminating leakage issues while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trash rake system operates in extreme temperature conditions, then operational capability is maintained, but component reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temperature-sensitive hydraulic components with electric motors and electronic controls that are less susceptible to extreme temperature effects. The electric drive system with rack and pinion mechanism provides reliable operation across a wider temperature range compared to hydraulic systems, maintaining component reliability in extreme conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects materials and design parameters for the track and pinion system that are optimized for extreme temperature performance. The track system and drive components are designed with material properties and geometric parameters that ensure reliable operation in both high and low temperature environments.
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 system enables full-powered, efficient debris removal and disposal under various conditions, reducing operational complexity and costs by ensuring precise positioning and movement along curved and angled tracks, avoiding hydraulic fluid leaks, and maintaining functionality across temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
A rack and pinion drive for a trash rake system includes a drive bar, a drive motor, a drive pinion, and an encoder coupled to the drive motor. The drive bar defines a plurality of teeth extending substantially along the length of the drive bar. The drive pinion is configured to rotably engage the teeth of the drive bar along the entire length of the drive bar. Rotation of the drive pinion along the drive bar moves the support structure on the tracks.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a trash rake system for use in clearing debris from an intake screen of an intake trash rack of a water intake port of a water use facility. The intake screen is configured to collect debris transported by water, for example, a river, to prevent the debris from entering the intake port of the water use facility. The trash rake system includes a track system, a movable support structure, a rack and pinion drive mechanism, and a controller configured to receive signals from an encoder on a drive motor and a proximity sensor system.