Smooth-Edge Dredge Suction Head with Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dredging devices often risk damaging structures like cables or conduits present in the bottom during operations, as existing suction heads with teeth can cause damage and are difficult to repair, and there's a risk of damaging deeper structures due to the suction head sinking too deeply.
Innovation Solution
The dredging device features a suction head with smooth edges and no teeth, equipped with a measuring device to maintain a safe distance from the bottom, water jet nozzles for material dislodgement, and a pressure-activated valve to prevent over-suction, along with a control device to manage the suction head's position and tension in the support cables to maintain a consistent distance from the bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dredge suction head with teeth is used to dislodge material from the bottom, then dredging efficiency is improved, but the risk of damaging structures present in the bottom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the teeth from the dredge suction head, extracting the harmful element that causes damage to bottom structures. The suction head is designed with smooth edges instead of teeth, eliminating the risk of cutting or snagging cables and conduits while maintaining dredging capability through suction alone
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical teeth to actively dislodge material, the invention inverts the approach by using suction force to draw material toward the opening. The smooth-edged suction head relies on the dredge pump creating negative pressure to lift material, reversing the traditional mechanical disruption method
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the dredge suction head is held at a distance from the bottom to avoid damage, then safety is improved, but dredging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters by optimizing the suction opening surface area to periphery ratio (0.03-0.25 m) and adjusting the suction head positioning to maintain a controlled distance from the bottom. These parameter changes enable effective suction while preventing contact with bottom structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates a measuring device that provides feedback to the operator about the distance between the suction head and the bottom. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to maintain the optimal distance that prevents damage while ensuring sufficient material dislodgement and suction efficiency
3Stress or pressure
If the surface area of the dredge suction opening is made small relative to its periphery, then suction pressure increases, but the ability to dislodge material from the bottom decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the suction opening by controlling the ratio of surface area to periphery to lie between 0.03 m and 0.25 m. This specific parameter range creates sufficient suction pressure while maintaining adequate material intake capacity, resolving the contradiction between pressure and productivity
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 configuration significantly reduces the risk of damaging bottom structures, allows effective material dislodgement and suction without causing damage, and prevents the suction head from sinking too deeply, ensuring a consistent dredging process and minimizing environmental impact by discharging material underwater.
Implementation Method 1
GB 908529 discloses a dredger and a drag head connected to the dredger. The suction tube of the drag head is provided with an echo sounder near the end for measuring the distance between the drag head and the bottom.
Implementation Method 2
DE 4405451 A1 discloses a drag head that is at a rear end thereof provided with water spray nozzles at the height of a heel plate.
Implementation Method 3
a dredge pump placed on the dredging vessel and having a suction connection, a suction conduit connecting the dredge suction head to the suction connection of the dredge pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a dredging device, comprising a dredging vessel and a dredge suction head connected to the dredging vessel and having a dredge suction opening. The dredge suction opening of the dredge suction head is provided with smooth edges and the dredging device comprises a measuring device for measuring the distance between the dredge suction head and the bottom. The invention also relates to a corresponding method, wherein the measuring device ensures that during dredging the dredge suction head is held at a distance from the bottom. The dredging device and corresponding method reduce the danger of damage to structures present in the bottom.