Hydrovac excavation system having object detection
Hydrovac excavation system having object detection
CA3043826A1
Canada
- Other languages
French - Inventor
William Auclair
Worldwide applications
Application CA3043826A events
Priority claimed from US18415842
2019-05-21
2020-11-17
Status
Pending
Description
HYDROVAC EXCAVATION SYSTEM HAVING OBJECT DETECTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to excavation systems, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an excavation system that utilizes a combination of high pressure water and a vacuum system to facilitate the removal of dirt from a desired area wherein the present invention includes a high pressure water wand that is configured to provide object detection so as to inhibit damage thereto during the excavation process.
BACKGROUND
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to excavation systems, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an excavation system that utilizes a combination of high pressure water and a vacuum system to facilitate the removal of dirt from a desired area wherein the present invention includes a high pressure water wand that is configured to provide object detection so as to inhibit damage thereto during the excavation process.
BACKGROUND
[002] As is known in the art, there are various techniques for excavating areas depending upon the construction application. For general excavation, equipment such as bulldozers and the like are utilized to provide general leveling and removing of terrain from a desired area. For other applications such as but not limited to pipeline excavation, it can be common to use equipment such as backhoes or hydrovac systems. Hydrovac excavation system are comprised of a vacuum system and a high pressure water system wherein the combination of the two are utilized to dislodge and remove dirt from a targeted area. The systems include a water source operably coupled to a digging wand wherein the digging wand is used to direct a stream of high pressure water to dislodge dirt proximate the discharge end of the digging wand from which water is egressing therefrom. As the water is ejected from the digging wand at high pressure, a vacuum hose is placed proximate thereto and is operable to remove the water/dirt from the area and transfer to either another location or temporary holding tank.
[003] While the aforementioned is effective at removal of dirt there are deficiencies with the existing technology. The water ejected from the digging wand is typically done at a very high water pressure that can be thousands of pounds per square inch. When utilizing a digging wand, the operator has no visibility to any object that may be in the area being excavated such as but not limited to a pipeline. As an operator excavates with a digging wand it can be a common occurrence wherein the lack of visibility in the area being excavated results in damage to objects such as but not limited to pipeline, fiber optic cable and other buried objects.
[004] Accordingly, there is a need for a hydrovac excavation system that is configured to provide detection of objects proximate the digging wand and provide an alert thereto in order to prevent damage to the detected object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a hydrovac excavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in a targeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressure water wherein the present invention is operable to provide object detection for subterranean objects.
[006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovac excavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effect removal of dirt in a targeted area wherein the high pressure water is directed outward from a wand.
[007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovac excavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in a targeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressure water wherein the wand of the present invention is equipped with detection transceivers that are configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate to the end thereof.
[008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovac excavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effect removal of dirt in a targeted area wherein the sensors are configured to utilize ultrasound, magnetic, x-ray or alternate technology to provide detection of subterranean objects.
[009] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovac excavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in a targeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressure water wherein the digging wand of the present invention is operably coupled to a controller that will provide water pressure control thereof.
[0010] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovac excavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effect removal of dirt in a targeted area wherein the controller of the present invention is operable to reduce the water pressure egressing from the digging wand subsequent detection of a subterranean object being proximate thereto.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to a provide a hydrovac excavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in a targeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressure water wherein the present invention may be utilized with or without a vacuum component.
[0012] An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovac excavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effect removal of dirt in a targeted area wherein the controller is configured with an audio alarm to alert the operator upon detection of a subterranean object.
[0013] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovac excavation system that is configured to provide removal of dirt in a targeted area utilizing the combination of vacuum and high pressure water wherein the controller of the present invention further includes a graphical interface providing a visual display of the area proximate the end of the digging wand.
[0014] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a hydrovac excavation system operable to utilize high pressure water to effect removal of dirt in a targeted area wherein the controller provides fixed water pressure settings for alternate applications or terrain type.
[0015] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an excavation system 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
[0020] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0021] References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "exemplary embodiments", and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
[0022] Now referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the excavation system 100 includes a storage tank 10. The storage tank 10 herein is illustrated for exemplary purposes and it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the storage tank 10 could be configured in various alternative embodiments and sizes. Furthermore, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the storage tank 10 could include a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to store water and the second portion is configured to receive the materials being excavated. It should be also understood within the scope of the present invention that the excavation system 100 could be implemented either with or without vacuum capabilities. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the excavation system 100 could be operably coupled to a water supply instead of utilizing stored water.
The storage tank 10 has a vacuum hose 5 operably coupled thereto and is operably coupled to a conventional vacuum motor(not illustrated herein) wherein the vacuum hose 5 is manipulated to be placed proximate the digging wand 20 and retrieve the material dislodged by the digging wand 20 and transfer to at least one portion of the storage tank 10.
The storage tank 10 has a vacuum hose 5 operably coupled thereto and is operably coupled to a conventional vacuum motor(not illustrated herein) wherein the vacuum hose 5 is manipulated to be placed proximate the digging wand 20 and retrieve the material dislodged by the digging wand 20 and transfer to at least one portion of the storage tank 10.
[0023] Operably coupled to the storage tank 10 and in particular a fluid disposed therein, is digging wand 20. Digging wand 20 is fluidly coupled to storage tank 10 utilizing hose 15. Hose 15 is a conventional industrial rubber hose and it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the hose 15 could be manufactured in alternate lengths and diameters. The digging wand 20 includes base portion 22, control interface 24 and nozzle 26.
Base portion 22 is manufactured from rigid tubing such as but not limited to metal tubing and can be provided in alternate lengths and diameters. The control interface 24 is operably coupled to the base portion 22 utilizing suitable mechanical techniques. The control interface 24 is operably coupled to controller 50 and provides remote adjustment of at least some of the functions of the excavation system 100. The control interface 24 includes housing 25 that is configured to have disposed therein the necessary electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data. The control interface 24 is coupled to controller 50 utilizing wires 28 wherein the wires are conventional configuration suitable for electronic signal and data transmission.
Base portion 22 is manufactured from rigid tubing such as but not limited to metal tubing and can be provided in alternate lengths and diameters. The control interface 24 is operably coupled to the base portion 22 utilizing suitable mechanical techniques. The control interface 24 is operably coupled to controller 50 and provides remote adjustment of at least some of the functions of the excavation system 100. The control interface 24 includes housing 25 that is configured to have disposed therein the necessary electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data. The control interface 24 is coupled to controller 50 utilizing wires 28 wherein the wires are conventional configuration suitable for electronic signal and data transmission.
[0024] Distal to control interface 24 on the base portion 22 is the nozzle 26.
The nozzle 26 is secured to the base portion 22 utilizing suitable durable techniques. While the nozzle 26 is illustrated herein having a particular shape, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the nozzle 26 could be provide in alternate shapes and sizes. The nozzle 26 includes body 32 manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. The body 32 forms interior volume 33 being of sufficient size to have disposed therein a plurality of water jets 36 and detection transceivers 40. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the nozzle 26 could be configured to have as few as one water jet 36 and one detection transceiver 40 or more than one of each. The water jet 36 is a conventional high-pressure water jet that is operable to direct a stream of high pressure water for excavation of dirt.
The nozzle 26 is secured to the base portion 22 utilizing suitable durable techniques. While the nozzle 26 is illustrated herein having a particular shape, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the nozzle 26 could be provide in alternate shapes and sizes. The nozzle 26 includes body 32 manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. The body 32 forms interior volume 33 being of sufficient size to have disposed therein a plurality of water jets 36 and detection transceivers 40. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the nozzle 26 could be configured to have as few as one water jet 36 and one detection transceiver 40 or more than one of each. The water jet 36 is a conventional high-pressure water jet that is operable to direct a stream of high pressure water for excavation of dirt.
[0025] The detection transceivers 40 are configured to provide electronic emission and receive a signal back from a detected subterranean object. The detection transceivers 40 are operably coupled to the controller 50 as further discussed herein and are configured to provide information to a user of the excavation system 100 concerning the presence of subterranean objects. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the detection transceivers 40 could be configured to employ magnetic waves, ultrasound or x-ray to provide detection of any subterranean objects proximate the nozzle 26. The detection transceivers 40 are operably coupled to the controller 50 wherein the controller 50 includes screen 52 that is operable to display images of the detected subterranean objects and provide estimates on the distance intermediate the nozzle 26 and the subterranean object. The detection transceivers 40 are operably coupled to the controller utilizing suitable techniques and the controller 50 as is further discussed herein provides operational mode control of the digging wand 20.
[0026] The controller 50 includes weatherproof housing 51 that is configured to create an interior volume suitable to have disposed therein the necessary electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data. The controller 50 provides operational control of the digging wand 20 of the excavation system 100 wherein a plurality of control switches 56 are present so as to facilitate engagement of the excavation system 100. The controller 50 is configured to provide at least a first mode and a second mode of operation of the excavation system 100. In a first operational mode, the excavation system 100 is configured to have water egress from water jets 36 at a constant pressure. Furthermore, in the first operational mode the detection transceivers 40 are activated and consistently providing image feedback on the screen 52 of the area proximate the nozzle 26 in order to identify the presence of any subterranean objects.
[0027] In the second operational mode of the excavation system 100, the controller 50 is operable to reduce the water pressure egressing from the water jets 36 ensuing detection of a subterranean object proximate the nozzle 26. In particular, once an object is detected, a visual alarm will be provided to a user via warning light 60 and further an audio alarm will be provided utilizing a speaker(not illustrated herein) integrated into the controller. The visual alarm and audio alarm provides notification to a user that a subterranean object has been detected and the water pressure egressing from the water jets 36 will be either reduced or potentially halted.
It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the second mode of operation could vary from progressive water pressure reduction to elimination of water pressure until reactivated by an operator of the excavation system 100.
It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the second mode of operation could vary from progressive water pressure reduction to elimination of water pressure until reactivated by an operator of the excavation system 100.
[0028] The controller 50 further provides operational adjustments for applications wherein a preprogrammed water pressure is provided upon selection of an application type utilizing switches 56. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the controller 50 could provide alternate modes for applications wherein the applications are determined by parameters such as but not limited to terrain type and potential subterranean objects. It should also be understood within the scope of the present invention that the water jets 36 could be configured to spray water in a variety of patterns. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the controller 50 could be located on the digging wand 26, the exemplary truck 99 or any other suitable location.
[0029] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (20)Hide Dependent
Claims (20)
Hide Dependent
1. An excavation system that is operable to provide excavation of an area and further provide detection of subterranean objects wherein the excavation system comprises:
a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having at least one water jet configured to have water egress therefrom;
a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand;
at least one detection transceiver, said at least one detection transceiver being disposed within said nozzle, said at least one detection transceiver configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area.
a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having at least one water jet configured to have water egress therefrom;
a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand;
at least one detection transceiver, said at least one detection transceiver being disposed within said nozzle, said at least one detection transceiver configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area.
2. The excavation system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one detection transceiver is configured to utilize an imaging technique selected from one of the following: magnetic, ultrasound or x-ray.
3. The excavation system as recited in claim 2, wherein said controller is configured to provide a first operational mode and a second operational mode of the excavation system.
4. The excavation system as recited in claim 3, wherein said controller is further configured with a screen, said screen providing visual image of an area proximate to said nozzle during excavation.
5. The excavation system as recited in claim 4, and further including a control interface, said control interface operably coupled to said digging wand on said first end thereof, said control interface providing operably coupling of said digging wand to said controller.
6. The excavation system as recited in claim 5, and further including a visual alarm, said visual alarm operable to provide a visual indicator of detection of a subterranean object proximate said nozzle.
7. The excavation system as recited in claim 6, wherein in said second mode of operation of the excavation system said controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressing from the at least one water jet subsequent detection of a subterranean object being proximate said nozzle.
8. An excavation system that is configured to utilize a combination of pressurized water and vacuum to provide excavation of an area wherein the excavation system comprises:
a storage tank, said storage tank having a vacuum hose operably coupled thereto, said storage tank having an interior volume configured to receive and store excavated material and water;
a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having an interior volume;
a plurality of water jets, said plurality of water jets being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of water jets fluidly coupled to said storage tank;
a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand; and a plurality of detection transceivers, said plurality of detection transceivers being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of detection transceivers configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area.
a storage tank, said storage tank having a vacuum hose operably coupled thereto, said storage tank having an interior volume configured to receive and store excavated material and water;
a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having an interior volume;
a plurality of water jets, said plurality of water jets being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of water jets fluidly coupled to said storage tank;
a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand; and a plurality of detection transceivers, said plurality of detection transceivers being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of detection transceivers configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area.
9. The excavation system as recited in claim 8, wherein the excavation system includes a first operational mode and a second operational mode wherein in the first operational mode water pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets is constant.
10. The excavation system as recited in claim 9, wherein said controller further includes a screen, said screen being operable to provide image data of an area proximate the digging wand during excavation.
11. The excavation system as recited in claim 10, wherein said plurality of detection transceivers are configured to utilize an imaging technique selected from one of the following: magnetic, ultrasound or x-ray.
12. The excavation system as recited in claim 11, wherein said controller further includes an audio and visual alarm, said audio and visual alarm operable to provide visual and audial warning of a subterranean object proximate said digging wand.
13. The excavation system as recited in claim 12, wherein in said second operational mode of the excavation system said controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets subsequent detection of a subterranean object being proximate said nozzle.
14. The excavation system as recited in claim 13, wherein said controller provides a third operational mode wherein in said third operational mode the controller provides preprogrammed water pressures for specific applications.
15. An excavation system that is configured to utilize a combination of pressurized water and vacuum to provide excavation of an area and detection of subterranean objects during the excavation process wherein the excavation system comprises:
a storage tank, said storage tank having a vacuum hose operably coupled thereto, said storage tank having an interior volume configured to receive and store excavated material and water;
a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having an interior volume;
a plurality of water jets, said plurality of water jets being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of water jets fluidly coupled to said storage tank;
a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand;
a plurality of detection transceivers, said plurality of detection transceivers being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of detection transceivers configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area; and wherein said controller is configured to provide a first operational mode and a second operational mode wherein in said first operational mode said controller is operable to provide a constant water pressure to the plurality of water jets.
a storage tank, said storage tank having a vacuum hose operably coupled thereto, said storage tank having an interior volume configured to receive and store excavated material and water;
a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having an interior volume;
a plurality of water jets, said plurality of water jets being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of water jets fluidly coupled to said storage tank;
a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand;
a plurality of detection transceivers, said plurality of detection transceivers being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of detection transceivers configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area; and wherein said controller is configured to provide a first operational mode and a second operational mode wherein in said first operational mode said controller is operable to provide a constant water pressure to the plurality of water jets.
16. The excavation system as recited in claim 15, wherein in said second operational mode of the excavation system said controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets subsequent detection of a subterranean object being proximate said nozzle.
17. The excavation system as recited in claim 16, wherein said plurality of detection transceivers are configured to utilize an imaging technique selected from one of the following: magnetic, ultrasound or x-ray.
18. The excavation system as recited in claim 17, wherein said controller further includes an audio and visual alarm, said audio alarm being a speaker integrated into said controller, said visual alarm being a light on said controller, said audio and visual alarm operable to provide visual and audial warning of a subterranean object proximate said digging wand.
19. The excavation system as recited in claim 18, wherein said controller provides a third operational mode, said third operational mode providing operational parameters for alternate soil types, wherein in said third operational mode the controller provides preprogrammed water pressures for specific applications.
20. The excavation system as recited in claim 19, wherein in said second operational mode the controller is operable to reduce water pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets across a pressure gradient.
