Patent Application
20230261448
The present disclosure relates generally to machinery for laying cable in the ground, and particularly to a cable plow attachment apparatus for simultaneously installing multiple cables.
The laying and placement of cables, wires, tubes, and the like in underground installations has become increasingly common. Underground installation can be desired because of rules and regulations that prohibit or limit above ground installations or simply because doing so produces a more attractive installation without unsightly overhead wires and support structure. As a result, various machines and devices have been developed in the past for cutting a trench or slit in the earth and laying conduits therein.
Conventional methods of laying certain cable, such as DC cable, can require digging an open trench, individually or manually laying the cable in the open trench, and backfilling the trench using machinery. Such methods of installation can be dangerous as they can require large portions of open trench, and inefficient because several crews can be required to complete the various stages of the process.
Therefore, a need exists for a cable plow attachment apparatus for laying underground cable capable of addressing the aforementioned problems.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of simultaneously installing multiple cables at different depths, varying spacing, and in different configurations based on what the construction plans are specifying.
In an embodiment, a cable plow attachment can comprise a frame configured to removably attach to and extend from a cable plow. The frame defines a plurality of slots each configured to selectively receive one or more shanks. Each of the one or more shanks include a first end configured to direct one or more cables through one or more boots selectively received by the shank and a second end having an excavation side facing the direction of forward movement of the cable plow and an installation side. The excavation side includes one or more of blades, teeth, and lift plates configured to dig a groove, and the installation side includes an outlet configured to position the cable in the groove.
In embodiments, the cable plow can further include a hydraulic auger coupled to the frame that is configured to outwardly displace dirt and debris.
The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.
Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:
While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.
Generally, a conventional method for installing cable underground, such as DC cable necessary for solar farms, requires digging an open trench, individually or manually laying the cable in the open trench, and backfilling the trench using machinery. These steps often require several crews to complete the entire installation process.
These conventional methods of installing cable involves individually spacing the cables from each other. Further, an open trench must be dug and generally remain open during the cable installation process. These exposed open trenches can pose safety risks. Additionally, the open trench must be dewatered if it rains which is costly and time consuming.
Referring now to
Referring to
With continued reference to
Proximate to each of the series of slots 110, frame 108 can comprise one or more attachment means with which to removably attach shanks 112. In embodiments, frame 108 can include one or more of hooks 122 and frame apertures 124. In embodiments, shanks 112 can include corresponding attaching means such as one or more protrusions 126 and one or more shank apertures 128. In such embodiments, attaching means can be spaced such that shanks 112 can be coupled at differing heights relative to the cable plow. In some embodiments, one or more shanks 112 can be disposed in each slot 110.
In operation, shanks 112 can be vertically or horizontally adjusted relative to frame 108 by selecting a particular protrusion 126 to rest on a hook 122 proximate to the desired slot 110. Similarly, a particular shank hole 128 can be aligned with a frame hole 124 such that a locking pin can be inserted. In embodiments, shanks 112 have at least two shank apertures 128 (e.g., a low hole and a high hole) through which they can be attached to frame 108. The frame itself also can be adjusted vertically relative to cable plow 102, for example, between a span of feet.
Shanks 112 comprise a first end configured to receive cable 106 from cable plow 102 and a second end configured to guide the laying of the cable 106 on the ground. Optionally, rollers 130 can be included as part of cable plow 102 or cable plow attachment 104. In embodiments, rollers 130 can comprise a top roller 132 and a bottom roller 134 configured to separate and guide cables 106 into top ends of boots 120 at the first end of shanks 112.
The second end of shanks 112 includes on one side pointed in the direction of forward movement of cable plow 102 comprising plowing means that cuts the earth, lifts up the earth (and displaces rocks), to create grooves in which the cables are laid. The plowing means can include blades, teeth, and the like with one or more lift plates (e.g., triangular/planed) according to embodiments. The other, backwards-facing, side of the second end of shanks 112 includes an outlet where cables 106 exit bottom end of boots 120.
Shanks 112 are housings that house boots 120, through which cables 106 pass, according to embodiments. Boots 120 have smooth interiors for ease of passing through cables 106. Boots 120 can be welded to the shanks 112, or optionally be detachable from shanks 112. In some embodiments, a single boot 120 can include grooves, notches, or slots for one or more cables. For such embodiments, the distance between the one or more cables within the boot may be dependent on heat dissipation and electrical interference. Inclusion of two cables within one shank 112 can be beneficial as both positive and negative lines can be laid proximate to one another.
Optional detachability of shanks 112 and boots 120 is advantageous because cable plow 102 does not have to stop operating or moving forward for a prolonged time in order for a particular set of cables 106 to be added or removed. For example, in the context of placing DC cables for use with solar panels, it is common for the electrical inverters to be varying distances away from the disconnects. In that case, a particular set of cables, such as a set of two cables (e.g., positive, and negative), can be selectively added or removed from the cable plow attachment when an inverter is first reached.
In operation, shanks 112 and boots 120 can be detached from frame 108, moved off cable plow 102, and left in the ground by a first crew. The first crew then measures the final length of cable 106 needed for that run and cuts the cable. Meanwhile, a second crew can dig up the shank 112 and boot 120, remove the cables, and coil or lay the cables out. While the first crew and second crew work, cable plow 102 can keep going toward the next destination. Thus, staggered cable lengths of the plurality of cables can be formed more easily than conventional methods. Although embodiments have been described with regard to cable plow 102, other machines can be used in conjunction with cable plow attachment 104.
In embodiments, hydraulic auger 114 can assist shanks 112 in clearing soil. Hydraulic auger 114 displaces dirt dug up by the plowing means of shanks 112 to ease any clogging and permit better operation. Hydraulic auger 114 outwardly displaces dirt in opposite directions from the center of the auger. In embodiments, hydraulic auger 114 includes fighting positioned in opposite spiraling directions, such that dirt and debris is moved outwardly while the axle of the auger rotates in a single direction. Hydraulic auger 114 flighting could be changed to displace dirt on either side of cable plow attachment 104.
In embodiments, the ultimate spacing of cables can vary depending on project needs. For example, in some situations the gauge and diameter of the cables must be enlarged as one gets closer to the substation and the volume of electricity peaks. In other situations, narrower or further spacing may be preferable depending on factors such as the number of cables. Cables can be spaced adjacent to one another or feet apart according to embodiments. In one embodiment, the cable plow attachment can install cables between six to nine inches apart.
For example, the embodiment of cable plow attachment 104 depicted in
Referring to
Frame 202 includes beam 212 configured to removably inserted into a plow box of a cable plow. Once beam 212 is inside the plow box of a cable plow it can be pinned via pin apertures 214 or otherwise secured in place at a desired height. The configurability of the height of cable plow attachment can be used in conjunction with adjustable shanks to provide precise control of the depths of cables.
Referring to
Referring to
In embodiments, the staggered positioning of shanks 304 can result in easier access when adding or removing shanks 304. The staggered positioning can further improve weight distribution when more shanks 304 are present on one side of frame 302. Further still, the staggered positioning can improve the flow of dirt and debris around shanks 304 during operation, preventing buildup.
Embodiments of the cable plow attachment are capable of simultaneously installing multiple cables at different depths, varying spacing, and in different configurations based on what the construction plans are specifying.
Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.
Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.
Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.
Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.
For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.
The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/310,898, filed Feb. 16, 2022, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63310898 | Feb 2022 | US |
