Gravity-Set Wedging Members for Self-Locking Load Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional free standing supports in mining and construction are cumbersome, costly, and require significant manpower for installation, with yielding props experiencing variable performance and non-yielding props being heavy and time-consuming to engage.
Innovation Solution
The use of gravity-set wedging members between an outer and inner tube, which gouge upon axial movement, allowing for self-setting and tool-free installation of load supports, enabling both yielding and non-yielding props with enhanced load capacity and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional non-yielding supports are designed for high load capacity, then load bearing capability is improved, but weight increases and installation time exceeds one minute
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into an outer tube and an inner tube that can move independently relative to each other. The inner tube is segmented into multiple sections that can telescope within the outer tube, allowing the support to achieve high load capacity when extended while maintaining a compact, lightweight form when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The support transitions from a static, fixed-length structure to a dynamic, adjustable-length structure. The inner tube can move axially within the outer tube to adjust the support length, and gravity-set wedging members automatically lock the position under gravity, enabling rapid deployment without complex mechanical locking mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional yielding props are designed to be cost-effective, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but installation requires significant manpower and time
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity-set wedging members automatically set the inner tube relative to the outer tube under the influence of gravity alone, without requiring external tools or significant manual intervention. The wedging members self-adjust to lock the telescoped sections in place, enabling single-person rapid installation while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If conventional supports require tool-free installation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliable locking mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Gravity acts as an intermediary force that activates the locking mechanism. The gravity-set wedging members use gravitational force to automatically drive the locking action, eliminating the need for manual tool operation while maintaining a simple, reliable locking mechanism that does not require complex springs, cam locks, or hydraulic systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional props are designed for reusability, then economic efficiency is improved, but installation and removal become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity-set locking mechanism automatically engages during installation and can be easily disengaged by reversing the telescoping action during removal. This self-setting capability allows rapid deployment and quick removal, making the support highly reusable without significant time loss, as no tools or complex procedures are needed for either operation.
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
This solution simplifies the installation process, reduces manpower requirements, and provides stable load support with rapid strength gain, allowing for easy reinstallation and high load capacity, while being lightweight and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The wedging members gouge the outer surface of the plunger and the inner surface of the outer tube upon inward axial movement of the plunger relative to the outer tube
Implementation Method 2
The wedging members are substantially self-setting under gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A load support includes an outer tube and a plunger at least partially slidably disposed within the outer tube. Gravity-set wedging members are disposed between an outer surface of the plunger and an inner surface of the outer tube for setting the plunger and outer tube in place with respect to each other, wherein the wedging members are substantially self-setting under gravity. The wedging members gouge the outer surface of the plunger and the inner surface of the outer tube upon inward axial movement of the plunger within the outer tube.