Height-Adjustable Mining Drive Station Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for drive and return stations in underground mining require complex and costly height adjustments, necessitating frequent shutdowns and storage of support boxes, which is inefficient in confined mining environments.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with height-adjustable pivotable carriers using spaced support post elements and post guides with offset locking holes, combined with lifting cylinders and guide plate segments, allowing for simple and precise height adjustments without the need for multiple support boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stacked support boxes are used for height adjustment, then the drive station can be adapted to changing conditions, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into discrete support boxes with standardized locking mechanisms. Each support box is an independent module that can be individually added or removed to achieve different heights, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static fixed-height design to a dynamic height-adjustable system. The wedge connection enables quick transformation between different height configurations, allowing the drive station to adapt to changing mining conditions without complex assembly procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support boxes are individually removed or inserted for height adjustment, then the pivotable carrier height can be changed, but the conveyor must be shut down for a relatively long time period
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge connection mechanism is pre-configured in the support boxes, allowing for rapid height adjustment without requiring complex assembly or disassembly procedures. The wedge design enables quick locking and unlocking actions that can be performed during brief pauses in operation, significantly reducing shutdown time.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw connection is replaced with a wedge connection mechanism that leverages mechanical advantage through wedge geometry. This substitution transforms a multi-step rotational fastening process into a single linear insertion motion, dramatically accelerating the height adjustment process and minimizing conveyor shutdown time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support boxes are stacked for height adjustment, then the drive station can adapt to changing conditions, but storage space for non-currently-needed support boxes becomes a problem in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support boxes are designed to nest within each other when not in use, similar to nested dolls. This nesting capability allows multiple support boxes to be stored in a compact vertical arrangement, minimizing the storage space footprint in confined underground mining environments while maintaining the ability to quickly assemble different height configurations when needed.
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 faster, simpler height adjustments and eliminates the need for storage of support boxes, improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime in underground mining applications.
Implementation Method 1
The locking holes of one of the pairs of the first and/or the second locking holes are offset from each other with respect to their height position
Implementation Method 2
lifting cylinders acting between the base plate and the support device may be provided for adjusting the height of the pivotable carrier relative to the base plate
Implementation Method 3
the guide plate segments may include the second locking holes. The support post elements may be reliably guided between the two lateral guide plate segments
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed support structure (13) for drive or return stations (11) for use in underground mining includes a base plate (15) resting on a floor (14) and a pi vo table carrier (22), to which the drive or return station (11) to be supported is connectable, wherein the pivotable carrier (22) is height-adjustable and fixable at different heights relative to the base plate (15). According to the present disclosure, the base plate (15) is provided with at least two spaced-apart support post elements (20), on each of which a plurality of first locking holes (26) is disposed at different heights. The pivotable carrier (22) is disposed on a support device (21), which is provided with post guides (25) that accommodate the support post elements (20) in a height-adjustable manner. The post guides (25) include second locking holes (27), which are lockable with selected ones of first locking holes (26) using locking bolts (38).