Remote Control Trenching Vehicle for Single Operator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized road vehicles for trenching require at least two operators for operation, limiting flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for separate control of digging and suction/collection functions, as well as lack of overall site visibility for operators.

Innovation Solution

A motorized vehicle equipped with a portable and remote control unit allowing a single operator to control the digging device, suction and collection system, and vehicle movement during the work phase, along with steerable wheels and a tilting collection tank for enhanced maneuverability and site adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single operator controls all functions from the driver's seat, then operational simplicity is improved, but comprehensive control of digging and suction functions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two distinct interfaces: a driver's seat for vehicle movement control and a portable control unit for digging and suction function control. This segmentation allows each operator interface to be optimized for its specific functions, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling comprehensive control of all vehicle functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A portable control unit serves as an intermediary device that enables the operator to control digging and suction functions remotely while maintaining vehicle movement control from the driver's seat. This intermediary device resolves the contradiction by providing dedicated control interfaces for different functional groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple operators are used for separate functions, then comprehensive control is improved, but operational efficiency and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable control unit provides multi-functionality by enabling a single operator to control both digging and suction functions while the driver's seat handles vehicle movement. This universal control capability allows one operator to perform tasks that previously required multiple operators, improving operational efficiency without sacrificing control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation where a single operator can independently control all vehicle functions including movement, digging, and suction without requiring coordination with additional operators. This self-service capability improves productivity while maintaining comprehensive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the operator is positioned inside the vehicle, then vehicle control is improved, but site visibility and overall overview are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle controlVSAvoidsite visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control functionality for digging and suction operations is extracted from the driver's seat and placed in a portable control unit that can be positioned outside the vehicle. This extraction allows the operator to maintain vehicle control from the driver's seat while simultaneously having access to site visibility from an external position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system transitions from a single fixed position (driver's seat) to multiple spatial dimensions by enabling the operator to control functions from both inside and outside the vehicle using the portable control unit. This dimensional flexibility resolves the contradiction between vehicle control and site visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If the vehicle is designed for continuous trenching operation, then productivity is improved, but mobility between trenching zones is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrenching efficiencyVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle design incorporates dynamic characteristics by combining a compact chassis optimized for mobility with powerful trenching and suction capabilities for continuous operation. The portable control unit further enhances dynamics by allowing the operator to quickly adjust between movement and trenching functions, enabling the vehicle to efficiently transition between different trenching zones while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 a single operator to perform all trenching operations, reducing costs and improving site visibility and flexibility, while allowing quick movement between trenching zones and easy transportation to construction sites.

Implementation Method 1

a controllable suction and collection device (9) configured to suction and collect the excavated material produced during the digging of the trench by the trenching tool (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3533935B1Motorised vehicle for making a trench in the ground
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 GRP MARAIS
  • EP3533935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533935B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533935B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

- Motorized vehicle for digging trenches in the ground. - The vehicle (1) comprises a chassis (2) and a drive unit (3) and, mounted on the chassis (2), a controllable digging device (7) for digging a trench (T) and a controllable suction and collection device (9) configured to suction and collect spoil produced during the digging of the trench (T), said vehicle (1) also comprising a driver's seat (10) for moving the vehicle (1) on the ground during a transfer phase as well as a portable and remote control unit (11), this control unit (11) being configured to allow an operator (O) to remotely control the digging device (7), the suction and collection device (9) and the advancement of the vehicle (1), during digging during a work phase.