Hollow Support Post Elevation Using Granular Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for elevating support posts in large-scale construction projects, such as dams, are costly and time-consuming due to the need for frequent repositioning and reinstalling of conveyors and jacks, which require additional infrastructure and operations like transporting heavy concrete collars.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a hollow support post with a sliding foundation and flanges for interfacing with jacks, using granular material like pea gravel to elevate construction equipment, allowing for incremental height adjustments without extensive repositioning of equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional conveyors are repositioned and raised during construction, then the dam surface level can be maintained, but the process is time consuming and cost prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The support post is designed with a hollow cavity that allows it to be dynamically elevated by injecting granular material into it. This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need to reposition entire conveyor systems, as only the compact support post needs to be raised, significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Granular material serves as an intermediary substance that is injected into the hollow cavity of the support post. This material acts as a filler that progressively raises the support post height, enabling incremental elevation without mechanical repositioning operations.
2Ease of operation
If jacks are used to elevate conveyors with concrete collars, then support posts can be raised, but additional infrastructure operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for heavy concrete collars and complex jack infrastructure by using a simplified system where granular material is directly injected into the hollow support post cavity. This removes unnecessary intermediate components and simplifies the overall elevation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow support post structure serves itself by providing its own elevation mechanism through the injection of granular material into its cavity. The post's own structural design enables its elevation without requiring external concrete collars or complex supporting infrastructure.
3Reliability
If heavy concrete collars are transported and installed, then support posts can be supported during jacking, but investment in infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, heavy concrete collars with a more economical solution using granular material that can be easily injected and evacuated. The granular material serves as a temporary, disposable filling that provides support during elevation and can be removed or replaced as needed, significantly reducing infrastructure investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the supporting material from rigid concrete collars to flowable granular material. This parameter change allows the material to be easily injected into the hollow cavity, provides reliable support during elevation, and can be readily evacuated or adjusted, reducing both cost and complexity.
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 method reduces infrastructure investment and construction time by allowing for efficient elevation of support posts and construction equipment, enabling continuous operation with minimal disruption and reduced energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
the granular material flows from the bottom of the support post and fills the void created by the elevated support post
Implementation Method 2
The support post is then set back down on the granular material resulting in compaction of the granular material
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for elevating a construction implement relative to a surface under construction includes erecting a support post having a generally hollow cavity on the surface under construction, such as a dam. A quantity of granular material is then dumped into the hollow cavity of the support post. The support post and, specifically, the construction implement, is then jacked to a desired height relative to the surface. A portion of the granular material is then permitted to disperse through and beneath the support post thereby creating a higher support structure on which the support post may then rest. This process may be repeated as the construction progresses and the surface is gradually raised.