Mine Stopping Panel End Cap Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mine stopping panels face challenges in securely attaching end caps to panel members, leading to instability and inefficiency in controlling air flow through mine passages.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates elongate channel-shaped panel members with in-turned lips and end caps connected via louver connections and bendable tabs, which resist telescopic movement in both extending and contracting directions, ensuring secure attachment and sealing engagement with mine surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple draw-displacement connection or basic welding methods are used to attach end caps to panel members, then the attachment process is simple and quick, but the connection strength and stability are insufficient leading to panel instability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent connection points (first connection, second connection, third connection, fourth connection) distributed around the end cap perimeter. Each connection point consists of a pair of interconnected tabs and slot openings that work together to provide stable attachment. This segmentation distributes mechanical loads across multiple points rather than concentrating them at a single weak point, thereby improving overall connection reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through repetitive modular connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs and slot openings are pre-formed during the stamping process of the end cap and panel member components, before assembly. The bendable tabs are pre-positioned in an unbent state within the end cap structure, and the slot openings are pre-cut in the panel member. This preliminary preparation enables rapid assembly without requiring complex field operations, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring reliable pre-engineered connections.
2Strength
If hard wire forcing or desk stapler methods are used for attachment, then the connection has some resistance to movement, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is self-assembling through the interlocking of pre-formed tabs and slot openings. The bendable tabs automatically engage with the slot openings when the end cap is positioned on the panel member, creating a secure connection without requiring external fasteners, welding equipment, or complex assembly tools. This self-service approach provides strong movement resistance while keeping the attachment mechanism simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection strength is optimized by carefully controlling the bend radius and thickness of the tabs, as well as the dimensions of the slot openings. These geometric parameters are optimized during design to provide adequate connection strength against movement forces while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing. The tab geometry is specifically designed to bend and lock into the slot openings, creating a secure fit without requiring complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If multiple connection points are implemented around the end cap, then the attachment stability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap design incorporates multiple identical connection points (first, second, third, and fourth connections) that all use the same tab-and-slot-opening mechanism. This universal connection approach allows the end cap to be stably attached to the panel member at multiple locations simultaneously. The repetitive modular design simplifies manufacturing through standardization of connection components, while the multi-point attachment provides superior stability compared to single-point connections.
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 solution provides a stable and efficient mechanism for attaching end caps to panel members, effectively controlling air flow and maintaining sealing engagement with mine surfaces, even under varying forces and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
At least one device (e.g., at least one bendable tab) on the first end cap is configured for engagement with the first panel member to resist telescopic movement of the first end cap relative to the first panel member when a contracting force is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A mine stopping panel and method of making it are disclosed. In one embodiment, the panel includes first and second channel-shaped panel members having a telescoping sliding fit one inside the other. An elongate end cap fitted in the first panel member. One or more connections between the first panel member and the end cap hold the end cap against movement relative to the first panel member when an extending force is applied to the end cap tending to telescopically extend the first panel member relative to the second panel member. At least one device on the end cap is configured for engagement with the first panel member to resist telescopic movement of the first end cap relative to the first panel member when a contracting force is applied to the first end cap. Other improved mechanisms for resisting contracting forces are disclosed.