Knot-Free UHMW-PE Mesh Net for Rock Slope Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mesh nets for rock and rock slope protection lack sufficient load capacity and tear resistance, particularly due to unfavorable material properties and structural designs that compromise their effectiveness against natural hazards like falling rocks and mudslides.

Innovation Solution

A mesh net utilizing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) fibers with high tensile strength, combined with a specific structural design featuring twisted yarns and a knot-free configuration, enhances load capacity and tear resistance while providing improved drapability and chemical resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If steel wire ropes are used in mesh nets, then high strength is achieved, but the weight is excessive and drapability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from steel wire to high-performance polyethylene fibers, which have superior strength-to-weight ratio. This material substitution resolves the contradiction by providing comparable or superior strength while dramatically reducing weight and improving drapability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction with multiple individual strands (2-6 strands per material strand) made of high-performance polyethylene fibers. This composite structure achieves high load capacity through the combined strength of multiple fibers while maintaining the low weight and flexibility characteristics of polyethylene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If wires are deflected at mesh crossing points with large angles, then knot-free structure is achieved, but kink angle becomes unfavorable reducing break resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknot-free structureVSAvoidbreak resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments each material strand into multiple individual strands (2-6 strands). This segmentation allows the strands to be arranged so that at least one individual strand passes through crossing points without deflection, while others are deflected at favorable angles, thereby maintaining break resistance while achieving a knot-free structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different configurations to different individual strands within the same material strand. At least one individual strand is designed to pass through crossing points without changing direction (maintaining linear path for strength), while other individual strands are deflected to achieve the knot-free mesh structure. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between knot-free design and break resistance.

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

The mesh net exhibits increased load absorption, high elasticity, and enhanced breakage resistance, ensuring effective protection against rockfalls and mudslides with reduced weight and improved durability.

Implementation Method 1

The mesh net exhibits increased load absorption, high elasticity, and enhanced breakage resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

UHMW-PE fibers with a filament tensile strength of 3000 N/mm²

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTensile strength: Tension

Implementation Method 3

The mesh network preferably contains twisted yarns with titers of 1200 to 1800 dtex

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress distribution: Deformation

Implementation Method 4

A corresponding coating is preferably provided for abrasion protection and UV protection purposes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion resistance: Wear

Implementation Method 5

A corresponding coating is preferably provided for abrasion protection and UV protection purposes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV protection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3013496B1Net for securing rocks and rock slopes
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 ISOFER
  • EP3013496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Net as a securing or safety net for securing rocks or rock slopes, and against rock falls, landslides or similar natural hazards, wherein said net contains filament yarns from the group of multi- and/or monofilament yarns that are combined in a knot-free manner. In this net, in each case two material strands join at the mesh intersection points, wherein • (a) each material strand (A; B) consists of at least two, preferably up to six, individual strands (A1, A2 and B1, B2), and • (b) at least one individual strand (A1 or B1) of each material strand (A or B) passes through an intersection point without changing direction, • (c) while at least one individual strand (A2 or B2) of each material strand (A or B) is deflected in the region of this intersection point and is combined with an individual strand (B1 or A1) of the other material strand (B or A) that passes through an intersection point without changing direction.