Remote Controlled Pneumatic Caisson Excavation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for sinking caissons require workers inside the working chamber to manually operate water cannons, which is unsafe and inefficient, especially in handling fine granular materials like silt and clay, and lacks effective mechanization for soil excavation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A mechanized system using a rotating central attachment with an adjustable arm and a dredge pump suspended from the ceiling, employing water jets and a cutting or milling head to excavate and pump out soil, allowing for remote control and efficient soil removal, with an air layer above the water for protection and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually operate water cannons inside the working chamber, then the excavation process can be performed, but the safety of workers is compromised and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated mechanical systems. A remotely controllable excavation device with automated water jet delivery and soil removal mechanisms eliminates the need for workers to physically operate water cannons inside the chamber, thereby improving safety while maintaining excavation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the operator and the excavation equipment. The operator controls the excavation device from outside the working chamber through remote signaling, allowing the excavation process to continue without direct worker presence in the hazardous environment.
2Reliability
If mechanized excavation systems are used, then worker safety is improved, but the ability to handle fine granular materials like silt and clay is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional excavation device that can adapt to different soil types. The system includes adjustable water jet pressure, variable flow rates, and interchangeable excavation tools that enable effective handling of various materials from coarse gravel to fine silt and clay, making the mechanized system versatile enough to replace manual operations across different geological conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamically adjustable parameters in the excavation system. Water jet pressure, flow rate, and excavation tool configuration can be modified in real-time based on soil type feedback, allowing the mechanized system to adapt its operation to efficiently handle fine granular materials that previously required manual intervention.
3Productivity
If water jets are used for soil erosion, then mechanical cutting is supported, but the pumpability of fine granular materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter optimization to balance excavation efficiency with material pumpability. By adjusting water jet pressure, flow rate, and addition of dispersing agents, the system transforms fine granular materials into a pumpable slurry consistency while maintaining effective erosion and excavation capability, resolving the contradiction between cutting efficiency and material流动性 for pumping.
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
Enables safe, efficient, and controlled excavation and removal of soil, reducing the need for workers inside the chamber and improving the processing of challenging soil types by using water jets and mechanical cutting, enhancing the efficiency of soil separation and pumping.
Implementation Method 1
A water jet is supplied by a water cannon and is thick and powerful. A water jet is independently capable of eroding the soil sufficiently.
Implementation Method 2
the resulting dredge is pumped away
Implementation Method 3
By introducing air, the (pneumatic) air pressure in the workroom is increased and the water level under the caisson is thus temporarily reduced, so that the workroom remains dry
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to the mechanized and remotely controlled excavation of the working chamber under a, preferably pneumatic, caisson or shaft, with the aim of sinking the caisson or shaft. One could also call this invention "unmanned" or "without divers" sinking. In addition, in the working chamber an excavation technique, such as a dredge technique, is used, so in the working chamber there is a layer of water and an in the water protruding excavating element, such as a dredge element, for example dredge pump.