Modular Trench Shoring with Guided Linear Guides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trench shoring methods face challenges in achieving deep trench depths due to transverse movements during installation and removal, which lead to increased force requirements, soil vibrations, and potential damage to adjacent structures, and are limited by the need for simultaneous installation of separate supports.

Innovation Solution

A method where a second pair of linear guides is inserted between the first pair, with a rigid spreader frame maintaining distance, allowing vertical movement only, thus avoiding transverse movements and enabling deeper trench shoring by doubling the maximum shoring depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate supports are installed simultaneously with shoring panels, then the shoring device can be stable, but the installation complexity increases and trench depth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoring stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shoring device is divided into modular components: shoring panels with integrated linear guides, rigid spreader frames with spreading devices, and supports that can be installed independently. This segmentation allows sequential installation where supports are first positioned and then shoring panels are attached, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader frame incorporates a spreading device with adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the distance between supports. This enables the support structure to adapt during installation and operation, facilitating easier placement while maintaining the required structural integrity for deep trench shoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of stationary object

If supports are pressed into soil at great depth, then deeper trenches can be shored, but transverse movements occur causing soil vibrations and damage to adjacent structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrench depthVSAvoidsoil vibrations and structural damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Before pressing supports into deep soil, a spreading device is activated to pre-tension the spreader frame and create friction locks between the support and soil. This preliminary action counteracts the tendency for transverse movements during subsequent installation steps, preventing soil vibrations and protection of adjacent structures even at great depths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The linear guides integrated into the shoring panels serve as intermediaries that constrain the movement of supports to purely vertical directions. By providing guided pathways, they prevent transverse movements that would otherwise occur during support installation and operation, eliminating soil vibrations and potential damage to nearby structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If rigid spreader frames are used to maintain vertical plane alignment, then transverse movements are avoided, but the forces required for installation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse movementsVSAvoidinstallation force
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader frame incorporates a spreading device with mechanical advantage systems that allow operators to apply smaller forces over longer distances to achieve the same spreading effect. This dynamic mechanism reduces the peak forces required during installation while maintaining the rigid structure's ability to prevent transverse movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spreading device utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to generate the spreading force between supports. These fluid-powered mechanisms provide high force multiplication, enabling the rigid spreader frame to be installed with minimal manual effort while maintaining its ability to constrain supports to vertical movement only

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Ease of operation

If the shoring device structure is simplified for easier installation, then the maximum shoring depth is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmaximum shoring depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shoring device is divided into standardized modular sections with integrated linear guides in the shoring panels. This segmentation creates a simple sequential installation process while the modular design allows the structure to be extended to greater depths by adding more panels and supports, thus achieving both ease of operation and increased depth capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shoring panels serve multiple functions: they provide the shoring surface, contain integrated linear guides for support movement, and can be connected in sequence to extend the shoring depth. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device structure while enabling installation at greater depths without requiring additional complex components

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

Data Source

PatentEP2010717B1Method for lining ditches
Publication Date: 2012.12.26 HESS WILHELM
  • EP2010717B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2010717B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2010717B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for lining ditches, in which a first couple of opposite lining plates (4, 5) are inserted into the ditch, a first stiff bracing frame (3) is movably guided within a first couple of linear guides between the two lining plates (4, 5), one respective linear guide being connected to one respective lining plate, and a second couple of lining plates (4', 5') are guided between the first couple of lining plates and are inserted into the ditch. In order to be able to dig deep ditches while making the lining device easy to insert and remove, a second couple of linear guides are inserted between the first couple of linear guides, one respective linear guide of the second couple of linear guides being connected to a lining plate (4', 5') of the second couple of lining plates and the linear guides of the second couple of linear guides being kept at a distance by means of a brace (3'), the bracing frame (3) between the first couple of linear guides is removed, and the second couple of lining plates and the second couple of linear guides are lowered while a stiff bracing frame (3) is inserted between the first couple of linear guides when the ditch is dug deeper.