Diaphragm Wall Device Yoke Segmentation Confined Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional diaphragm wall devices with large masts are not suitable for creating diaphragm or cut-off walls in confined spaces such as tunnels, structures, or areas with limited height, as they are not compact enough and lack maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

A compact diaphragm wall device with a soil removal unit mounted on a yoke between two carrier devices, allowing for adjustable vertical positioning and distribution of load, enabling efficient operation in tight spaces by avoiding tipping and eliminating the need for counterweights, with features like rotating cutting wheels, hydraulic supply, and mobile control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single large mast or cantilever arm is used to support the soil removal unit, then the device can operate in open spaces, but it becomes too large and cannot maneuver in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to operate in confined spacesVSAvoidoverall device size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate carrier devices (first and second carrier devices) that support the soil removal unit through a common yoke. This segmentation allows each carrier to be more compact while collectively providing the necessary support span, enabling the device to operate in confined spaces where a single large mast would not fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the soil removal unit is suspended from a single carrier device, then the structure can be simpler, but the risk of tipping increases and counterweights are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidtipping risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke acts as a counterbalancing structure that distributes the load from the soil removal unit between two carrier devices. This load distribution eliminates the tipping risk associated with single-carrier suspension without requiring additional counterweights on each carrier, maintaining structural simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Device complexity

If a single carrier device supports the entire load, then the support structure can be simpler, but the carrier must be large and require counterweights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure simplicityVSAvoidcarrier device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The load-bearing function is segmented between two carrier devices, each supporting half of the soil removal unit's weight through the yoke connection. This distribution allows each carrier to be lighter and more maneuverable while collectively providing adequate support, eliminating the need for heavy counterweights on individual carriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3208384B1Groove wall device and method for making grooves in the ground
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 BAUER MASCH GMBH
  • EP3208384B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3208384B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP3208384B1 patent drawingFigure 3d~3f

AI summary

The invention relates to a diaphragm wall device and a method for creating slots in the ground for a diaphragm wall or cutoff wall. The diaphragm wall device comprises a support unit on which a soil removal unit is vertically adjustable. The invention is characterized in that a first support unit and a second support unit are provided, which are connected to each other via a yoke, and that the soil removal unit is adjustably arranged below the yoke.