Curved Connector for Dynamic Rock Bolt Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic testing methods for rock and anchor bolts lack the ability to accurately simulate in-situ conditions, particularly for non-vertical bolts, and are limited by the need for laboratory simulations that do not accurately recreate the shock loading experienced in real-world applications.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that allows for the attachment of a loading device to in-situ rock or anchor bolts, enabling dynamic testing by transferring impact forces from a vertically dropped weight to the bolt, even if it is not vertical, with a design that includes releasable parts and curved surfaces for multi-directional movement, and a method for protecting load cell components from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laboratory simulation testing is used, then testing can be performed in controlled conditions, but it does not accurately recreate working conditions and shock loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary device that bridges the loading mechanism and the rock bolt in in-situ testing. This connector includes a body with curved surfaces that interface with the bolt head, enabling accurate transmission of shock loads while adapting to non-vertical bolt orientations without requiring laboratory simulation
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates curved surfaces and movable components that allow dynamic adjustment during impact loading. The curved surfaces enable the connector to accommodate angular misalignment between the loading device and non-vertical bolts, while the dynamic nature of the test setup accurately reproduces real-world shock loading conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If in-situ dynamic testing is performed on non-vertical bolts, then real working conditions are simulated, but the testing equipment must accommodate various bolt orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body features curved surfaces instead of flat or angular surfaces. These curved surfaces can conform to various bolt orientations and angles, allowing the connector to interface with non-vertical bolts effectively. The curvature provides geometric adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different bolt orientations, angles, and positions. The same connector design works for vertical, inclined, and horizontal bolts, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixtures and reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If repeated dynamic testing is conducted on multiple bolts, then comprehensive safety assessment is achieved, but testing time and setup effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a segmented, modular system that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The body portions can be separated and reconfigured for different testing locations, enabling rapid transition between bolts and reducing setup time for repeated testing
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components are pre-configured and prepared before testing begins. The modular design allows components to be pre-assembled and then quickly installed on each bolt, eliminating time-consuming on-site fabrication or complex assembly procedures during the testing sequence
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
Enables in-situ dynamic testing of ground support members, allowing for the recording of load and displacement without assumptions, facilitating on-site testing, and accommodating non-vertical bolts, with adjustable energy application and the ability to test multiple bolts repeatedly, enhancing safety and efficiency in mine environments.
Implementation Method 1
transferring impact forces from a vertically dropped weight to the bolt
Implementation Method 2
vertically dropped weight
Implementation Method 3
curved surfaces for multi-directional movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A connector 100 and associated dynamic testing system 200 and method for testing rock bolts or rock anchors in situ. The connector is attached to a rock bolt/anchor and supports a hanging load via a shaft. The connector has a body of two halves 100a,100b retaining upper first 104 and lower second 116 connectors having respective curved surfaces 108,138. Each of the two halves has a curved inner surface 106,136 allowing limited relative rotational movement of the first and second connectors relative to the two halves when a load is applied. A load cell 132 and accelerometer 130 register the load applied to the rock bolt/anchor through the connector and any resulting movement of the rock bolt/anchor.