Angled Shield Canopy Spar Design for Mining Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shield canopies for underground mining support assemblies face challenges in achieving high bending resistance while minimizing weight and production costs, particularly due to the high loads exerted by hydraulic props.

Innovation Solution

The shield canopy features longitudinal spars made of section struts with angled top sections and webs, allowing for preliminary arching that enhances loading capacity, using section struts instead of box-type constructions, and incorporating wedge pieces and flange arms for improved structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a box-type supporting structure with multiple longitudinal spars consisting of sheet metal strips and transverse plates is used, then bending resistance is improved, but weight increases and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending resistanceVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure is divided into individual longitudinal spars that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each spar is a discrete component that can be optimized independently, allowing for weight reduction while maintaining overall structural strength through proper segmentation and arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining longitudinal spars with transverse plates to create a unified supporting structure. This composite approach allows the longitudinal spars to primarily bear bending loads while the transverse plates provide additional stiffness and distribute loads, achieving high bending resistance with reduced weight compared to solid box structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a box-type supporting structure with multiple longitudinal spars consisting of sheet metal strips and transverse plates is used, then bending resistance is improved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending resistanceVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the supporting structure into standardized longitudinal spars and transverse plates, the patent enables modular manufacturing. These segmented components can be produced using standard fabrication processes and assembled through straightforward connections, reducing production complexity and costs while maintaining bending resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the longitudinal spars and transverse plates to achieve the required bending resistance with minimal material usage. By carefully selecting dimensions, thicknesses, and spacing, the structure meets strength requirements while minimizing material consumption and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the canopy plate and longitudinal spars are angled upwards in the front canopy region, then loading capacity is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an upward angle in the front canopy region of the longitudinal spars, creating a curved or angled configuration instead of a straight line. This angular geometry provides preliminary arching that actively counters bending loads, improving loading capacity. The angular form is simpler than complex curves but still provides significant structural advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Weight of moving object

If section struts are used instead of box-type constructions, then weight is reduced and production costs are lowered, but bending resistance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidbending resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the section struts, including their cross-sectional dimensions, thickness, and spacing, to achieve the required bending resistance with minimal weight. By carefully selecting these parameters, the section struts provide sufficient strength while being significantly lighter than box-type constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite supporting structure by combining section struts with transverse plates. This composite construction allows the section struts to efficiently bear axial and bending loads while the transverse plates provide additional stiffness and load distribution, achieving high bending resistance with reduced weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9109445B2Shield canopy for a shield-type support
Publication Date: 2015.08.18 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US9109445B2 patent drawing
  • US9109445B2 patent drawing
  • US9109445B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shield canopy for a shield-type support for underground mining having a canopy plate and a supporting structure being welded on below the canopy plate and having a plurality of longitudinal spars which extend from a rear canopy region up to a front canopy region. At least two of the longitudinal spars having section struts which are provided with a top section flange and a web running perpendicularly to the top section flange, and the canopy plate and the section struts are angled upwards in the front canopy region.