Mobile Conveyor Device for Tunnel Liner Folding and Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delivery of tunnel liners is cumbersome and inefficient, particularly due to their heavy weight and the complexities introduced by environmental conditions, requiring a more convenient, reliable, and efficient system for deployment.
Innovation Solution
A mobile conveyor device with a base frame, folding assembly, and conveyor assembly that includes wave-like folding members and a pivotable belt conveyor, allowing for the folding and efficient transportation of liners into tunnels, supported by a system with a guide member, elevated platform, and winch for controlled movement and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual delivery methods are used for tunnel liners, then the process is simple in structure, but the delivery process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to heavy weight and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into distinct functional modules: a mobile conveyor device with base frame and wheels for mobility, a folding assembly with first and second folding members for liner folding, and a conveyor assembly for transport. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability despite the complexity introduced by multiple components.
2Productivity
If a mobile conveyor device with folding assembly is used, then liner folding and deployment efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The folding assembly and conveyor assembly are integrated onto a single mobile platform with a shared base frame and support structure. The first and second folding members are positioned adjacent to the conveyor assembly, allowing coordinated operation. This merging reduces the need for separate handling equipment and streamlines the overall delivery process despite the multiple functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile conveyor device serves multiple functions: it transports the liner via the conveyor assembly, folds the liner using the folding assembly with first and second folding members, and provides mobility through the base frame with wheels. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate equipment into a single integrated system, improving productivity while managing complexity through design integration.
3Loss of time
If conventional delivery methods are used, then equipment requirements are minimal, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The folding assembly with first and second folding members is positioned to receive and fold the liner before it enters the conveyor assembly for transport. This preliminary folding action prepares the liner for efficient conveyance through environmental conditions, reducing the time required for on-site deployment while the integrated mobile design manages the structural complexity of having multiple preparatory components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for folding and deploying liners within tunnels includes a mobile conveyor device having a base frame including a plurality of wheels supporting a support frame. The mobile conveyor device also includes a folding assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a first end of the base frame and a conveyor assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a second end of the base frame.