Trenching System Heel for Integrated Backfill
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for digging trenches and laying elongated objects like cables or tubes are inefficient due to the separate processes for excavation, object deposition, and backfilling, which result in high logistics and costs, as well as potential interference between the trenching wheel, objects, and cuttings.
Innovation Solution
A trenching system with a heel integrated into the casing that simultaneously digs trenches, deposits elongated objects, and fills the trench with cuttings and a binder, eliminating the need for separate cutting evacuation and backfill material transport by reintroducing cuttings into the trench and mixing them with a binder for compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate processes are used for excavation, object deposition, and backfilling, then each operation can be performed independently, but logistics complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines excavation, object deposition, and backfilling operations into a single integrated trenching system. The cutting wheel excavates terrain while simultaneously depositing elongated objects onto the ground, and the heel structure automatically backfills with excavated material. This merging eliminates the need for separate excavation equipment, object laying equipment, and backfilling equipment, thereby reducing logistics complexity while maintaining operational independence through the coordinated design of these integrated functions.
2Productivity
If excavated material is removed and transported away from the site, then the trench can be kept clear, but disposal costs and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing excavated material from the site, the patent recovers and reuses it for backfilling the trench. The heel structure, positioned at the rear of the cutting wheel, automatically channels the excavated material back onto the ground behind the trenching operation. This recovery and reuse eliminates disposal costs and transportation costs associated with removing the material, while maintaining trench clearing efficiency during the excavation process.
3Loss of substance
If cuttings are reintroduced into the trench for backfilling, then transportation costs are reduced, but interference between cutting wheel, objects, and cuttings may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the interference problem by using spatial dimensionality. The heel structure is positioned at the rear of the cutting wheel in the longitudinal dimension, creating a clear separation zone. Additionally, the backfilling occurs in the vertical dimension as material is deposited onto the ground surface behind the trench. This dimensional separation ensures that the cutting wheel operates in front without obstruction, elongated objects remain undisturbed in the trench, and cuttings are deposited in a separate rear zone, eliminating interference while enabling cost-effective reuse of excavated material.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The system for digging at least one trench in the ground, depositing at least one elongated object and backfilling the trench includes a trenching wheel 12, a housing 14 partially enveloping the trenching wheel, and a heel 16 integral with the housing 14, disposed at least in part at the rear of the trenching wheel 12 and internally delimiting at least one spoil collection chamber 40 in communication with an internal housing 22 of said housing and having at least one exit opening 46. The heel includes guiding means 42, 70 for said elongated object to be deposited, provided with an inlet opening and an exit opening 50 for the passage of said elongated object, which is offset vertically downwards relative to the exit opening 46 of the collection chamber.