Horizontal Mine Stopping Panels With Telescoping Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low seam height mines, the installation of traditional metal stoppings with vertical panels is inefficient and cost-ineffective due to the narrow passage dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A mine stopping system comprising vertical columns and rows of elongate horizontal panels that extend between side ribs, with telescoping features and lapping panels to adjust length and fit the passage height, minimizing gaps and accommodating mine convergence, supported by a telescoping column system for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional vertical panel stoppings are installed in low seam height mines, then the stopping can provide air seal function, but the installation becomes inefficient and cost-ineffective due to narrow passage dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical panel configuration by using horizontal panels supported by vertical columns. This inversion allows the stopping system to adapt to low seam height passages more efficiently, reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining air seal functionality in narrow mine passages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs telescoping column members that can extend and contract dynamically to accommodate varying passage heights and mine convergence. This dynamic adjustment capability improves installation efficiency and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for custom-sized components for different seam heights
2Loss of substance
If vertical panels are used in low seam height mines, then the stopping structure can be formed, but material usage and labor increase due to the need to accommodate varying dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal telescoping column members and standardized horizontal panels that can accommodate a wide range of passage dimensions. This universality reduces material waste by eliminating the need for custom-sized vertical panels and reduces labor time through simplified installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stopping system into modular horizontal panels and telescoping column members. This segmentation allows for efficient material utilization where panels can be standardized in length while columns adjust to fit specific heights, reducing both material waste and installation labor compared to custom-fitted vertical panels
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length panels are installed in mine passages, then the structure is simple, but the stopping cannot accommodate mine convergence or dimensional variations without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates telescoping column members that can dynamically extend and contract to accommodate mine convergence and passage dimensional variations. This dynamic feature provides adaptability while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of standard telescoping mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping column members use a nested doll principle where one column member is inserted within another, allowing for compact storage and simple assembly. This nesting mechanism provides adaptability to varying passage dimensions without significantly increasing overall structural complexity
4Manufacturing precision
If horizontal panels with flanges on both edges are used, then the panels are structurally complete, but gaps cannot be minimized between adjacent panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric panel design where the bottom panel has a flange for structural support while the top panel has no flange, allowing it to lie closely adjacent to the bottom panel. This asymmetry minimizes gaps between panels while maintaining structural integrity through the bottom panel's flanged connection
Data Source
AI summary
A mine stopping and associated components and methods. The stopping can include one or more columns or other vertical supports and a plurality of elongate panels extending horizontally.