Helical Strap-Reinforced Crib Bag for Stable Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumpable crib bags for mine support exhibit insufficient load-carrying capacity, premature rupture, and inconsistent loading behavior due to insufficient reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A containment bag assembly with a reinforcing member, such as a strap, that helically encompasses the sidewall with a flattened major surface to constrain the load-bearing material, providing improved tensile strength and radial confinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hoops or helically wound wire or cord are used to reinforce the PCB, then lateral expansion is restrained, but load carrying capacity remains insufficient and premature rupture occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member changes from circular cross-section (wire/cord) to flattened major surface (strap), fundamentally altering the contact geometry parameter. This allows the strap to conform to and contact the curved sidewall surface, distributing restraint forces more effectively and preventing localized stress concentrations that cause premature rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the containment bag material with a reinforcing member made of different material properties (flattened strap versus circular wire). This composite structure integrates the confinement function of the bag with the tensile strength of the strap reinforcement, creating a system with superior load carrying capacity and reliability.
2Strength
If reinforcement is added to increase load capacity, then strength improves, but loading behavior becomes variable and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
Changing the reinforcing member geometry from circular to flattened creates consistent contact along the sidewall curvature. This geometric parameter change ensures uniform force distribution during loading, eliminating the variable and erratic loading behavior associated with circular wire reinforcement that can rotate and shift position.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using circular cross-section reinforcement that must be forced to conform to the curved bag surface, the invention inverts the approach by using a flattened strap that naturally conforms to the curvature. This inversion of the reinforcement geometry provides consistent contact and uniform load distribution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly achieves improved load-bearing capacity, reduced risk of rupture, and consistent loading behavior by distributing frictional forces over a greater surface area, minimizing premature failure and maintaining sustained compressive loads.
Implementation Method 1
The reinforcing member includes a flattened major surface for contact with the sidewall as the service load is applied to the assembly... distributing frictional forces over a greater surface area
Data Source
AI summary
A pumpable crib bag assembly for forming a load-bearing support includes a containment bag arranged to be filled with a load-bearing material. The containment bag includes an upper end portion, a lower end portion, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower end portions. The sidewall is configured to surround the load-bearing material within the containment bag to contain the load-bearing material therein. Aa reinforcing member extends along the sidewall to constrain the load-bearing material within the containment bag when a service load is applied to the assembly. The reinforcing member includes a flattened major surface arranged for contacting with the sidewall as the service load is applied to the assembly.