Feeder Line Support Structure for Deep Excavation Winding Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support and guiding systems for feeder lines in deep excavation applications face issues with weight-induced stress, tangling, and deformation, leading to potential breakages and operational disruptions due to the elongation of support ropes and uneven load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A support and guiding apparatus featuring a flexible traction element with a non-axisymmetric cross-section, coupled with spacer elements that prevent rotation and maintain alignment, allowing for efficient winding and unwinding of feeder lines on a winder drum while distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the feeding tubes are made thicker to increase bearing capacity, then the strength is improved, but the flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple spacer elements distributed along the feeding tubes. Each spacer provides localized support to bear the weight of wound layers, while the segmented structure maintains overall flexibility of the tube assembly, allowing it to wind and unwind properly.
2Productivity
If the feeder lines are wound onto the drum, then the productivity is improved, but the stress on the lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spacer elements act as intermediary support structures between the feeding tubes and the wound layers. These spacers bear the compressive stress from the weight of outer layers, transferring it to the drum structure, thereby protecting the feeding tubes from excessive stress during winding operations.
3Ease of operation
If the support ropes are used to carry the feeder lines, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer elements are pre-installed at specific intervals along the feeding tubes before winding begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the tubes are wound onto the drum, the spacers are already in place to provide structural support and maintain alignment, preventing tangling and breakage during the winding process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the feeder lines are made longer to reach deeper excavations, then the adaptability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer elements function as counterweight structures by providing rigid support that offsets the effective weight burden on the feeding tubes. By distributing the load through multiple spacer points along the tube length, the system can support longer feeder lines for deeper excavations without the tubes becoming excessively heavy or prone to failure.
Data Source
AI summary
A support and guiding apparatus for feeder lines includes a feeding tube for a digging device, a support branch, and a plurality of crosspieces adapted for guiding the feeding tube and connected to the support branch. The support branch includes a single flexible traction element and a plurality of spacer elements coupled to the single flexible traction element. The flexible traction element defines a longitudinal axis X when the flexible traction element is in an extended configuration. The flexible traction element has a cross section S having a width B greater than a height H. Each one of the spacer elements has a first seat housing the flexible traction element and which is crossed by the flexible traction element. The first seat is shaped to prevent rotation of the spacer element. Each one of the spacer elements is arranged to allow rotation of the support branch.