Rotating Arm Culvert Cleaning Apparatus for Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing culvert cleaning devices are fixed in size and width, unable to adjust their cross-section to navigate through tight areas or expand to capture debris effectively, limiting their ability to efficiently clear obstructions in culverts.
Innovation Solution
A culvert cleaning apparatus with a shaft and rotating arm members that can alter its functional diameter during use, allowing it to minimize for insertion and maximize for debris removal, attached to a machine like a backhoe or trackhoe for enhanced cleaning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size culvert cleaning device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot navigate through tight spaces or expand to capture debris effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The culvert cleaning device employs rotating arm members that can dynamically change the functional diameter of the device. The arms rotate from a first position defining a first (smaller) diameter for insertion to a second position defining a second (larger) diameter for debris capture, making the device adaptable to different culvert sizes and debris volumes without complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into a shaft and multiple separate arm members that can independently rotate. This segmentation allows each arm to be positioned independently to navigate tight spaces during insertion and then expanded to maximize debris capture capacity, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability
2Productivity
If hand tools are used for culvert cleaning, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning productivity is limited by human strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with a motorized rotating arm system. The arms are driven by a motor to rotate and scoop debris, significantly increasing cleaning productivity beyond what human strength can achieve while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of a single motorized component
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating arm members serve multiple functions: they can rotate to navigate tight insertion spaces, expand to maximize debris capture area, and mechanically scoop out obstructions. This multi-functionality increases productivity without requiring multiple separate devices or complex mechanisms
3Productivity
If pressurized water is used for cleaning, then no additional mechanical device is needed, but the ability to remove obstructions in long culverts is limited by water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces water pressure-based cleaning with a mechanical rotating arm system that physically scoops and removes obstructions. This mechanical approach maintains productivity for obstruction removal in long culverts without being limited by water pressure constraints, while keeping device structure relatively simple through direct mechanical action
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a culvert cleaning apparatus for attachment to a bucket of an earth moving machine. The culvert cleaning apparatus comprises a long shaft that has rotating arms attached to it. As the apparatus is inserted into a culvert and through a debris field the arms are pushed against the shaft to minimize the diameter of the apparatus. As the apparatus is removed from the culvert, the arms engage with debris, rotate outward to increase the functional diameter of the apparatus and pull/push debris out of the culvert.