Trenching Wheel and Heel Layout for In-Situ Binder Backfill

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing trenching systems for laying elongated objects like optical or electrical cables are inefficient and costly due to the need for separate operations for excavated material removal and trench filling, leading to significant logistics and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A trenching system with a cutting wheel, housing, and heel that integrates debris collection and binder distribution, allowing simultaneous trench digging, object deposition, and trench filling using excavated material mixed with binder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate operations are used for excavated material removal and trench filling, then the trenching operation can be completed, but logistics costs and environmental impact increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrenching operation completionVSAvoidlogistics costs and environmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the debris collection chamber and binder distribution means into a single integrated system mounted on the heel. The debris collection chamber captures excavated material directly from the cutting wheel, while the binder distribution means mixes binder with this material and returns it to fill the trench. This merging eliminates separate material removal and transport operations, directly reducing logistics costs and environmental impact while maintaining complete trenching functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by using the excavated material itself as the backfill material after mixing with binder. The debris collection chamber collects the material generated during digging, the binder is distributed to mix with this material, and the mixture is returned to fill the trench. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external material removal and import operations, reducing both costs and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-generated harmful factors

If excavated material is removed and transported away, then the site is cleaned, but additional transport operations and costs are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesite cleanlinessVSAvoidtransport operations time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful factor of excavated debris into a beneficial backfill material. Instead of removing the debris as waste, the system collects it in the debris collection chamber, mixes it with binder in the distribution means, and returns it to fill the trench. This transformation eliminates the need for separate removal and transport operations, saving time while achieving proper site rehabilitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If ready-to-use cement-based mortar is transported from external sources, then trench filling is achieved, but delivery logistics and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrench filling qualityVSAvoiddelivery logistics

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heel assembly serves multiple functions: it collects debris from the cutting wheel, stores binder, mixes the binder with debris, and returns the mixture to fill the trench. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external mortar delivery systems, reducing delivery logistics and costs while maintaining trench filling quality through proper binder mixing and application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces costs and environmental impact by eliminating the need for separate material removal and transport, while ensuring a stable trench fill with improved load-bearing properties.

Implementation Method 1

The distribution means is also provided with at least one screw mounted inside the storage and dosing chamber, and means for driving said screw in rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew conveyor mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The rotation of the trenching wheel of the digging system and the advance of the carrier truck allows a trench to be obtained in the ground at the desired depth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting and lifting: Wheel

Data Source

PatentEP4001516B1System for digging trenches and laying elongated objects, in particular pipes or cables, with treatment of excavated material

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 OT ENG

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AI summary

The system for digging at least one trench in the ground, depositing at least one elongated object, and backfilling the excavated trench comprises a trenching wheel 12, a housing 14 partially enclosing the trenching wheel, and a heel 16 integral with the housing 14, disposed at least partially at the rear of the trenching wheel 12 and internally delimiting at least one spoil collection chamber 40 in communication with an internal compartment 22 of said housing and having at least one outlet opening 46. The heel includes guiding means 42, 70 for said elongated object to be deposited, provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening 50 for the passage of said elongated object, which is offset vertically downwards relative to the outlet opening 46 of the collection chamber. The system also includes a means 100 for distributing binder.