Description:[001] The present invention relates to the field of the Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM) with a rotating skip grab assembly for lifting debris & trash, and more specifically to a rotating skip grab assembly to lift debris accumulated at the bottom of the dam and struck on the surface of the Trash Racks installed inside the intake bays of the water intake system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The following description provides the information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] Further, the approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.
[004] Trashracks are essential components in water management systems, particularly at dam sites. They serve as barriers to prevent debris, both natural (like leaves, twigs) and man-made (like plastic, trash), from entering and damaging the water intake systems or turbines. Regular cleaning of these trashracks is crucial to maintain the efficient operation of water management systems and to prevent blockages that can cause significant operational disruptions and potential damage.
Challenges in Existing Trashrack Cleaning Methods:
[005] Traditional cleaning methods often involve manual labor, which can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially hazardous, especially in adverse weather or water conditions. Mechanical cleaners used in the past have been limited in their ability to adapt to varying sizes and types of debris, and to access different areas of the trashrack effectively. There has been a persistent need for a more efficient, versatile, and safer method of cleaning trashracks.
Development of the TRCM:
[006] Recognizing these challenges, the present invention introduces a Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM) with a rotating skip grab assembly. This invention represents a significant advancement in trashrack cleaning technology. The rotating skip grab assembly is a key innovation, allowing for more effective and efficient cleaning compared to traditional methods. The addition of the innovative cylinder and boom mechanism addresses the limitations of previous trashrack cleaning equipment by enhancing maneuverability and adaptability to different types of debris and trashrack configurations.
Innovations in the TRCM Design:
[007] The TRCM's rotating skip grab is equipped with an additional hydraulic cylinder mounted at the lower part of the boom, enabling it to rotate and revolve the skipgrab with greater precision and lowest energy consumption. The cylinder's actuation facilitates the skip grab's transition between open and closed positions, allowing for efficient capture and release of debris.
A unique pin and bush arrangement attaches the skip grab to the boom, providing controlled rotational movements and further improving the machine's efficiency and functionality. The hydraulic system that connects the skip grab to the boom enhances the synchronization and smooth operation of the assembly.
Operational Advancements of the TRCM:
[008] The operational process of the TRCM includes lowering the rotating type skip grab along with the boom into the intake water near the trashrack, excavating trash, debris, and sediments from the dam floor as well as those struck with the trashracks due to the force of the intake water and then securing the collected material within the skip grab. The skip grab, once filled, is lifted and directed towards the TRCM, where the debris is unloaded into an integrated trolley for disposal, by actuating the cylinder and opening the grab. This process is repeatable and adjustable, allowing for comprehensive and efficient cleaning of the intake water and the trashrack area, regardless of the debris type or quantity, and thus facilitating higher hydropower generation.
Impact of the Invention:
[009] This invention significantly enhances the efficiency and safety of trashrack cleaning operations at dam sites. It reduces the need for manual labor, minimizes operational downtime, and ensures a higher level of cleanliness and maintenance of water management systems.
Overall, the TRCM represents a transformative approach to maintaining critical water infrastructure, offering a more efficient, effective, and safer method of cleaning trashracks.
[010] Accordingly, on the basis of aforesaid facts, there remains a need in the prior art to provide a novel rotating skip grab assembly and working method thereof. Therefore, it would be useful and desirable to have an improved assembly system, method, apparatus and equipment to meet the above-mentioned needs.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[011] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of conventional skip grab assembly and operational techniques of a trashrack cleaning machine (TRCM), are now present in the prior art, the present invention discloses a rotating skip grab assembly to lift debris struck on the surface of the Trash Racks installed inside the intake bays of the water intake system.
[012] The present invention describes a novel method of operating a Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM), specifically designed for efficient and effective cleaning of trashracks at dam sites. The method encompasses positioning the TRCM adjacent to a trashrack, followed by engaging a specially designed rotating skip grab assembly. This skip grab is uniquely equipped with an additional hydraulic cylinder at the lower part of a boom, enhancing its operational efficiency. The method involves actuating this cylinder to enable the skip grab to revolve and rotate relative to the boom, facilitating its movement between open and closed positions. The skip grab is attached to the boom through a pin and bush arrangement, allowing for controlled rotational movement, which is further governed by a hydraulic cylinder connected to both the skip grab and the boom.
[013] The method is characterized by the lowering of the rotating skip grab into the water near the trashrack, where it is maneuvered to excavate trash, debris, and sediments from the dam's bottom floor. The collected material is secured within the rotating skip grab while it is in the closed position. Subsequently, the skip grab is lifted and directed towards the TRCM, where the accumulated material is unloaded into a trolley for disposal, by again actuating the hydraulic cylinder to open the skipgrab. This method ensures a comprehensive amd efficient cleaning process as there is very less chances of losses, as the steps of excavating, collecting, lifting, and unloading are repeated as necessary to thoroughly clean the intake water area surrounding the trashrack. This innovative method significantly enhances the efficiency of trashrack cleaning operations at dam sites. This results in smooth flow of intake water into the hydro turbines thus enhancing the hydro power generation.
[014] In an important aspect of the present invention, a rotating main arm, a rotating tboom; wherein one end of the rotating main arm is connected through a first pin with a bracket at the top of the machine, and the other end is connected to the rotating telescopic boom through a movable pin connected with the rotating skip grab assembly. Further, the rotating skip grab assembly through the movable pin is configured to pick the debris and trash from the bottom floor of the dam and also from the trashrack panels where it is struck due to the force of the intake water and pick the whole debris and trash.
[015] In another important aspect of the present invention, main arm is fixed on a top portion of a Trash Rack Cleaning Machine, and the other end is connected to the rotating hydraulic boom through a movable pin provided with the rotating skip grab assembly and working fluid for grab open - close is passed through the hose pipe, which is wound on hose reeling drums.
[016] In another important aspect of the present invention, the hose reeling drum motor is mounted on the main rotating arm and it rotates with grab lowering and grab raising operations. This equipment's fully hydraulic system is amongst the most efficient, reliable and safe operating systems available in the world today.
[017] The present invention has the following many advantages over the conventional prior art, but not limited to: Efficient Trash Removal: The TRCM machine removes all the maximum amount of trash in a single cycle and so this is a highly efficient system and further, the lowest lead time.
[018] In this respect, before explaining at least one object of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of set of rules and to the arrangements of the various models set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other objects and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, according to the need of that industry. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[019] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[021] FIG. 1-4, illustrate various representation of a rotating skip grab assembly to lift debris struck on the bottom floor of the dam and also those which are stick to the surface of the Trash Racks installed inside the intake bays of the water intake system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[022] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[023] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[024] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[025] Referring now to the drawings, these are illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the present invention discloses a rotating skip grab assembly to lift debris struck on the surface of the Trash Racks installed inside the intake bays of the water intake system. The rotating assembly is comprised of, but not limited to, a main rotating arm, a rotating telescopic boom; wherein one end of the main rotating arm is connected through a first pin with a bracket at the top of the machine, and the other end is connected to the rotating telescopic boom through a movable pin connected with the rotating skip grab assembly. Further, the rotating skip grab assembly through the movable pin is configured to pick the debris and trash around the trashrack panel by rotating and self-adjusting the alignment with the trashrack panel and pick the whole debris and trash.
[026] The TRCM is a specialized machine designed for cleaning trashracks. These are structures in dams used to filter debris and prevent it from entering the water intake system. Over time, these racks accumulate debris, necessitating regular cleaning.
Rotating Skip Grab Assembly:
[027] Central to the TRCM is a rotating skip grab, a mechanical grabbing tool capable of opening and closing to collect debris. The skip grab is equipped with an additional hydraulic cylinder at the lower part of its supporting boom. This cylinder is critical for the grab's rotational and revolving movements.
Cylinder and Skip Grab Functionality:
[028] The cylinder, through hydraulic power, enables the skip grab to move between open and closed positions. This feature is vital for collecting and securing debris. The opening and closing mechanism is designed to handle various types and sizes of debris, ranging from leaves and twigs to larger sediment and trash pieces.
Boom and Hydraulic System:
[029] The skip grab is attached to one end of the boom via a pin and bush arrangement. This configuration allows for a controlled rotation, which is crucial for positioning the grab accurately. The boom, an extendable arm, provides the necessary reach and maneuverability for the skip grab to access different areas of the trashrack. A hydraulic cylinder, pivotal to the assembly's operation, connects one end to the skip grab and the other end to the hydraulic boom. This connection ensures synchronized movements between the boom and the skip grab.
Excavation and Unloading Process:
[030] The TRCM is designed to efficiently excavate trash, debris, and sediments from dam bottoms. The rotating skip grab allows for precise and thorough cleaning. Once the debris is collected, the skip grab is lifted, and the contents are unloaded into a trolley that is part of the TRCM. This integrated trolley simplifies the process of debris removal and disposal.
Operation and Efficiency:
[031] The TRCM's design focuses on efficiency and ease of operation. It minimizes manual labor and maximizes the speed and effectiveness of cleaning operations. The TRCM's ability to rotate, extend, and precisely control the skip grab's movements enables it to clean hard-to-reach areas and handle various debris types, significantly improving the maintenance of dam trashracks. The Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM) represents a significant advancement in dam maintenance technology. Its rotating skip grab, hydraulic control systems, and integrated debris disposal mechanism provide an effective and efficient solution for keeping dam trashracks clean and functional.
[032] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an innovative assembly for a Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM), designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cleaning operations at dam sites. [033] The TRCM features a rotating skip grab assembly, which is a key component of this novel method. The skip grab is equipped with an additional cylinder located at the lower part of a boom, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. This cylinder is actuated to allow the skip grab to rotate and revolve relative to the boom, enabling it to switch between open and closed positions with ease. The skip grab's attachment to the boom through a pin and bush arrangement allows for controlled rotational movements, further regulated by a hydraulic cylinder that connects the skip grab to the boom. The operational process includes lowering the rotating skip grab into the water near the trashrack for excavation of trash, debris, and sediments. Material collected is secured within the skip grab in a closed position, then lifted towards the TRCM, and finally unloaded into a trolley for disposal. This method ensures a thorough cleaning of the area around the trashrack, as the process of excavating, collecting, lifting, and unloading is repeated as necessary. Overall, this assembly greatly enhances the trashrack cleaning efficiency at dam sites.
[034] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, on a top portion of a Trash Rack Cleaning Machine, and the other end is connected to the rotating telescopic boom through a movable pin provided with the rotating skip grab assembly and working fluid for grab open - close is passed through the hose pipe, which is wound on hose reeling drums.
[035] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the hose reeling drum motor is mounted on the main arm and it rotates with grab lowering and grab raising operations.
[036] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the rotating grab is connected at the lower end of the rotating telescopic Boom and further, a plurality of hydraulic cylinder is provided at bottom of main rotating arm, through which the rotating boom in and rotating boom out operations are carried out.
[037] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, on the rotating telescopic boom, the plurality of hydraulic cylinders is mounted through which Grab raising and grab lowering operation is carried out.
[038] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the rotating skip grab is made of a straight plate with teeth at its end and these teeth are engaged with the vertical bars of the trash rack.
[039] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, when the rotating grab is pushed down by telescopic boom, it effectively cleans the Trash Rae bars by combing operation and all the trash and debris is collected inside the skip grab.
[040] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the trash and debris are taken up by closing the skip grab and unloaded inside a debris disposal trolley, which is parked on its parking platform which moves along with the Trash Rack Cleaning Machine.
Best Mode and enablement of the present invention to enable a person ordinarily skilled in the art
[041] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of working for a trashrack cleaning machine (TRCM) with a rotating skip grab assembly for lifting debris & trash from highly misaligned trashracks, comprising the steps of:
Step 1: providing, when a rotating boom reaches the bottom, a rotating BOOM IN / OUT Cylinder which connects a Main Arm at top with the Boom, it pushes the boom towards a trashracks;
Step 2: opening the skipgrab by actuating the hydraulic cylindrr and moving, the rotating Skipgrab towards the trashracks and it touches the trashracks, all the trash and debris lying at the bottom of the dam gets collected inside the akuograb. as the trashracks are misaligned and tapered in installation, the rotating Skipgrab is free to move by having a movable pin connection with the boom, enabling it automatically aligns itself with the trashracks at whichever angle the trashracks are installed;
Step 3: placing, the rotating skipgrab is in appropriate position with the trashracks and it comes up as main arm cylinders open and lift the Main rotating Arm, and further, enabling the activity lifts the trash and debris which has clinged on the trashracks out of the water.
[042] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a rotating skip grab equipped with a hydraulic mechanism. This system is designed for efficient excavation and removal of trash, debris, and sediments from dam bottoms. Key components include:
Rotating Skip Grab: Equipped with an additional cylinder at the lower part of a boom, this grab can revolve and rotate. The cylinder facilitates the opening and closing of the skip grab.
Boom and Cylinder Mechanism: The skip grab is attached to one end of the boom via a pin and bush arrangement, allowing rotation. The movement is facilitated by a hydraulic cylinder connected to both the skip grab and the boom.
Efficient Excavation and Unloading: The assembly is capable of efficiently excavating material and ensuring proper unloading into a trolley on the machine.
Hydraulic Tiltable Trolley: A hydraulic cylinder is used to lift and tilt the trolley for unloading trash and debris. This trolley moves along with the machine, which is mobile and operates on rail tracks to service multiple bays.
Hydraulic Power and Additional Features: The system includes a hydraulic power pack fitted on the machine to provide the necessary pressure. It also features a spare trolley to minimize downtime during trash unloading, ensuring continuous operation.
In essence, this is a mobile, hydraulic-powered trash removal and management system, optimized for use in large-scale facilities like dams, with a focus on efficiency and minimal interruption in operations.
[043] The above-mentioned invention is provided with the preciseness in its real-world applications to provide a rotating skip grab assembly to lift debris struck on the surface of the Trash Racks installed inside the intake bays of the water intake system.
[044] The benefits and advantages that the present invention may offer have been discussed above with reference to particular embodiments. These benefits and advantages are not to be interpreted as critical, necessary, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments, nor are they to be read as any elements or constraints that might contribute to their occurring or becoming more evident.
[045] Although specific embodiments have been used to describe the current invention, it should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative, and that the invention is not limited to them. The aforementioned embodiments are open to numerous alterations, additions, and improvements. These adaptations, changes, additions, and enhancements are considered to be within the purview of the invention.
, Claims:1. A Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM), comprising:
a rotating skip grab equipped with a hydraulic cylinder at the lower part of a boom, designed for revolving and rotational movements;
wherein the hydraulic cylinder configured to facilitate opening and closing of the skip grab;
a connection mechanism attaching the skip grab to one end of the boom via a pin and bush arrangement, enabling rotation of the skip grab to open and close positions, further facilitated by a hydraulic cylinder, where the hydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the skip grab and at the other end to the hydraulic boom;
wherein the apparatus assembly capable of excavating trash, debris, and sediments, particularly from dam bottoms, and ensuring efficient unloading of the collected material into a trolley situated on the machine;
a hydraulic tiltable trolley, operated by a hydraulic cylinder, to lift and tilt for unloading all collected materials;
wherein the trolley being positioned on a movable platform integrated with the apparatus, facilitating parallel movement with the machine;
wherein the apparatus being mobile and adapted to move on rail tracks to service multiple bays;
a hydraulic power pack fitted on the apparatus to supply hydraulic oil under pressure for operational needs; and
wherein the inclusion of a spare trolley within the apparatus assembly to minimize downtime associated with trash unloading, enabling continuous operation of the machine.
2. The Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a rotating skip grab equipped with an additional cylinder at the lower part of a boom, designed to revolve and rotate; wherein the cylinder is configured to move to open and close the skip grab;
wherein the skip grab is attached at one end of the boom via a pin and bush arrangement, enabling rotation in open and close positions facilitated by a hydraulic cylinder. this cylinder is connected at one end to the skip grab and the other end to the hydraulic boom; and
wherein the assembly is capable of efficiently excavating trash, debris, and sediments from dam bottoms and ensuring proper unloading of the collected material into a trolley situated on the machine.
3. The Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a main arm and a rotating telescopic boom, where one end of the main arm is connected to the top of the machine via a first pin with a bracket, and the other end is connected to the rotating telescopic boom through a movable pin linked with the rotating skip grab assembly.
4. The Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating skip grab assembly, through the movable pin, is configured to self-adjust its alignment with the trashrack panel for effective debris and trash collection.
5. The Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized by:
A hose reeling drum motor mounted on the main arm, which rotates in sync with grab lowering and raising operations;
Wherein the rotating grab connected at the lower end of the rotating telescopic boom, supplemented with multiple hydraulic cylinders at the bottom of the rotating main arm to facilitate boom in and out operations.
Wherein additional hydraulic cylinders mounted on the rotating telescopic boom to enable grab raising and lowering.
6. The Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating skip grab is made of a straight plate with teeth at its end, which engage with the vertical bars of the trash rack for effective cleaning;
When the rotating grab is pushed down by the telescopic boom, it performs a combing operation, collecting trash and debris into the skip grab;
Wherein the collected trash and debris are then unloaded into a debris disposal trolley by actuating the hydraulic cylinder to open the skipgrab and unload all the collected trash and debris into a hydraulically tiltable trolley parked on a moving platform integral to the Trash Rack Cleaning Machine.

7. A method of working for a Trashrack Cleaning Machine (TRCM), the method comprising:
Positioning the TRCM adjacent to a trashrack at a dam site; and
Engaging a rotating skip grab assembly of the TRCM, wherein the skip grab is equipped with an additional cylinder at the lower part of a boom.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:
Actuating the additional cylinder to cause the rotating skip grab to revolve and rotate relative to the boom;
Utilizing the cylinder to move the skip grab between an open position and a closed position;
Attaching the skip grab at one end of the boom via a pin and bush arrangement, facilitating rotation of the skip grab in its open and closed positions; and
Operating a hydraulic cylinder connected at one end to the skip grab and the other end to the hydraulic boom to control the rotational movement of the skip grab.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, characterized by:
Lowering the rotating skip grab into the water adjacent to the trashrack; and
Maneuvering the skip grab to excavate trash, debris, and sediments from the bottom of the dam.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1, further involving:
Collecting the excavated material in the rotating skip grab while it is in the closed position;
Lifting the rotating skip grab upwards which keeping it aligned and touching with the trashrack and towards the top deck slab and thereby collecting / combing all the trash / debris struck on the trashrack panels ;
and
Unloading the collected material from the skip grab onto a trolley positioned on the TRCM for disposal.
11. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the steps of excavating, collecting, lifting, and unloading are repeated as necessary to clean the entire area around the trashrack.