Ground Cavity Closure Plate with Central Mandrel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing vertical bores or shafts in the ground, such as filter wells, are costly and pose safety risks due to improper storage, leading to potential daytime breakages and public safety threats.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a plate and a mandrel, where the plate is larger than the opening and supports the surrounding ground, with a mandrel that projects beyond the opening to prevent slipping, and is connectable via bayonet lock or projections, allowing for secure, cost-effective, and permanent closure independent of the opening's shape or stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the current method of drilling out and filling with clay-ash-sediment suspension is used, then the cavity can be sealed, but the costs are considerable and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into two main segments: a plate component and a mandrel component. The plate with central opening serves as the base structure, while the mandrel is inserted through the opening to provide reinforcement. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing and assembly compared to the complex drilling and filling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel acts as an intermediary element that transfers and distributes loads around the cavity opening. By inserting the mandrel through the plate's central opening, it provides structural support and prevents surface collapses without requiring complex drilling operations or suspension materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing device is supported by the ground surrounding the opening, then it becomes independent of the opening shape and stability, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plate component is designed with a universal central opening that can accommodate various cavity shapes and sizes. The mandrel inserted through this opening provides universal support functionality regardless of the specific opening geometry. This universal design allows the same device structure to adapt to different geological conditions without becoming overly complex.
3Reliability
If the mandrel is made longer than the uppermost support element, then horizontal slippage is prevented, but the device dimensions and transport difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel's extended length beyond the uppermost support element creates a dynamic leverage effect that prevents horizontal slippage. The additional length acts as a mechanical stop and load distributor, enhancing stability during and after installation. While this increases the overall device dimension, the simple cylindrical or conical shape maintains relatively easy handling characteristics.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for closing a cavity (12) formed in the ground (11), characterized in that the device (10) comprises the following elements: a plate (1) having an area at least twice the size of the opening (3) of the cavity (12) to be covered, wherein the plate (1) can be supported on the ground (11) surrounding the opening (3); and at least one spike (2) which is attached to the plate (1) in the middle of the plate (1) and perpendicular to the plane of the plate and is arranged in the direction of gravity, wherein the at least one spike (2) can be inserted into the cavity (12) through the opening (4), wherein the at least one spike (2) preferably has a length in the direction of gravity of at least 50 cm and may optionally project above the uppermost structural unit of the cavity to be closed.