Adjustable Trench Shield Panels for Obstruction Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trench shielding units are unable to easily and quickly accommodate unplanned obstructions or unanticipated traversing structures passing through the excavation, compromising safety and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The trench shielding unit features adjustable vertical panels with interengaging side edges and a secure fastening system, allowing for easy vertical adjustment and secure positioning without sacrificing structural strength, enabling flexibility to adapt to various angles and elevations of underground utilities or obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed trench shielding units are used, then structural strength and reliability are maintained, but adaptability to unplanned obstructions or unanticipated traversing structures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding unit is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently adjusted vertically. Each panel can be repositioned along the whaler to accommodate obstructions, while the overall structural integrity is maintained through the modular connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to be dynamically adjustable during excavation rather than fixed in position. The vertical adjustment capability allows the shielding unit to adapt to changing conditions and unanticipated structures while maintaining structural strength through controlled movement mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panels are made adjustable vertically, then flexibility to accommodate obstructions is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure is segmented into discrete panels that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows flexibility in positioning individual panels to accommodate obstructions while the overall modular structure maintains strength through standardized connection points and load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels can change their vertical position parameter along the whaler without changing the fundamental structural properties of the materials or connections. The adjustment mechanism allows parameter changes (vertical position) while maintaining the structural integrity of the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If panels are made easily adjustable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may be reduced due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components that can be easily operated individually. Each panel's adjustment mechanism is independent and straightforward, reducing operational complexity while the modular nature ensures that reliability is maintained through standardized, proven connection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A trench shoring or shielding unit, for securing the sidewalls of an earthen formation, trench or excavation, includes a plurality of adjustable, vertically arranged panels forming a protective wall. As a shielding unit, two opposing protective walls are spaced and attached by at least two spreader bars. Each adjustable panel has opposing top and bottom ends, a C-shaped channel traversing the panel's height, and opposing side edges that inter-engage with the side edges of adjacent panels. Further, each adjustable panel is attached to at least one of two or more whalers along an inner surface of the panel by a clamp-like fastener having a bolt passing through the whaler and into the C-shaped channel of the corresponding panel. The inter-engaging side edges are segmented, preferable concave and convex, so that adjacent adjustable panels inter-engage to resist lateral torque or twisting that may be caused by shifting or collapse of the excavation.