Hydraulic Jack-Post Caulking for Non-Flat Gap Sidewalls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing caulking and monitoring restoring apparatuses are not applicable when the sidewalls of a gap are not flat, limiting their application range due to the assumption of flat sidewalls.

Innovation Solution

A caulking monitoring servo apparatus featuring a cushioning pad with side plate assemblies, oil distribution channels, and electromagnets that adjust to accommodate non-flat sidewalls by using hydraulic oil to push jack posts against the sidewalls and adjusting magnetic forces to restore the gap to its original state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional longitudinal caulking apparatus is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to gaps with non-flat sidewalls, limiting its application range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to non-flat sidewallsVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the caulking function into multiple independent jack posts arranged in arrays, each capable of independent vertical movement. This segmentation allows different parts of the apparatus to adapt to different wall geometries, enabling the system to handle non-flat sidewalls while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jack posts are designed with movable connections that allow them to adjust their positions dynamically. The oil distribution channels enable continuous adjustment of jack post positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to varying gap geometries, thereby improving adaptability without requiring a completely complex redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus uses multiple adjustable jack posts with oil distribution channels, then it can adapt to non-flat sidewalls, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to nonplanar surfacesVSAvoidoil distribution and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil distribution channels serve multiple functions: they provide hydraulic pressure to move jack posts vertically, enable positioning adjustment, and facilitate both caulking and restoring operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the cushioning pad's own elastic force to drive the jack posts during the restoring phase. By reversing the oil pressure direction, the same oil distribution system that performs caulking also enables restoring, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for additional external control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus is designed for flat sidewalls only, then the manufacturing precision requirements are lower, but the application range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to various gap geometriesVSAvoidprecision for non-flat surface adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each jack post and its corresponding oil distribution channel are designed as independent units with localized adjustment capabilities. This allows each unit to adapt to the specific local geometry of the gap sidewall it contacts, rather than requiring the entire apparatus to be precisely manufactured for a specific geometry, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables caulking, monitoring, and restoring of gaps with nonplanar complex sidewalls, such as rough and uneven surfaces, by adapting to the geometry of the gap and maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a cushioning pad; and two side plate assemblies, respectively connected to two sides of the cushioning pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

oil distribution structure includes oil distribution channels having a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of oil distribution channel holes and an oil inlet cavity in communication with first ends of the plurality of oil distribution channels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of groups of electromagnets, where each group of electromagnets includes two electromagnets arranged opposite to each other and respectively arranged on the two sides of the cushioning pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4283074B1Caulking monitoring servo apparatus and caulking restoring method
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 CHINA THREE GORGES CORPORATION
  • EP4283074B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4283074B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4283074B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of architectural reinforcement technologies, and specifically to a caulking monitoring servo apparatus and a caulking restoring method. The caulking monitoring servo apparatus includes: a cushioning pad (1); and two side plate assemblies (2), respectively connected to two sides of the cushioning pad (1), where each side plate assembly (2) includes a porous plate (201), an oil distribution structure (202), and jack posts (203), a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of jack post holes(2011) are provided in a side of the porous plate away from the cushioning pad, a plurality of oil distribution channel holes (2012) are provided in the porous plate (201), each oil distribution channel hole (2012) is in communication with one row of jack post holes (2011), the oil distribution structure(202) includes oil distribution channels (2021) having a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of oil distribution channel holes and an oil inlet cavity (2022) in communication with first ends of the plurality of oil distribution channels, oil outlet holes having a one-to-one correspondence with jack post holes in a corresponding row are provided in each oil distribution channel, each oil distribution channel is movably arranged in a corresponding oil distribution channel hole and has a first position that allows communication between each oil outlet hole and a corresponding jack post hole and a second position that allows each oil outlet hole to be blocked by a hole wall of the oil distribution channel hole, and a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of jack posts are arranged and have a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of rows and the plurality of columns of jack post holes.