Movable Shove Frame for TBM Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch and burial processes are hindered by static shove frames that require extensive installation time, temporary precast shove rings, and risk of equipment breakage, leading to safety concerns and inefficient tunnel construction within confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A movable shove frame structure with support legs, a shove ring, and a thrust ring, equipped with gliding elements and removable fixing means, allows the TBM to advance using retractable thrust cylinders connected via pulling means, eliminating the need for temporary shove rings and simplifying the construction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If static rear braced heavy sectioned steel works shove frames are used, then structural strength is ensured, but installation time is extended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shove frame is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic movable structure. The frame can be incrementally advanced by utilizing the TBM propulsion cylinders to push the shove ring and connected shove frame sections forward through the shaft, allowing the structure to adapt its position dynamically during the TBM launch process
Solution Approach 2:
The shove frame is divided into multiple separable sections or segments that can be assembled in a compact configuration for installation, then connected and advanced incrementally. This segmentation allows the frame to be transported and installed more efficiently while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
2Ease of operation
If temporary precast shove rings are used to facilitate TBM launch, then TBM burial/launch is enabled, but additional temporary works and chamber modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The shove frame structure is integrated with the TBM propulsion system itself. The TBM thrust cylinders directly engage with the shove ring that is connected to the shove frame, merging the launching mechanism with the excavation mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate temporary shove rings and reduces the number of distinct temporary works systems required
Solution Approach 2:
The shove frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during launch, acts as a reaction mass for TBM propulsion, and can be incrementally advanced through the shaft. The same structure that supports the TBM during burial also serves as the reaction framework for thrust transmission, reducing the need for additional specialized temporary works
3Ease of operation
If cable pulling techniques with threaded rods are used to advance the shove frame, then movable shove frame operation is achieved, but risk of breakage and safety accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TBM propulsion cylinders themselves are used to advance the shove frame structure. The same thrust cylinders that drive the TBM forward during excavation are utilized to push the shove ring and connected shove frame sections forward through the shaft. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate cable pulling systems and threaded rods, reducing the risk of equipment failure and safety accidents
Solution Approach 2:
The shove ring acts as an intermediary element that connects the TBM thrust cylinders to the shove frame structure. This intermediary component distributes the thrust forces evenly across multiple connection points and provides a robust mechanical interface that eliminates the need for fragile cable pulling systems while enabling controlled incremental movement of the shove frame
4Stability of the object's composition
If extensive base slab installation and frame amendments are performed, then structural stability is achieved, but construction duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The shove frame is designed to be pre-assembled in a compact configuration that can be quickly installed in the shaft. The modular sections are prepared beforehand with connection interfaces that enable rapid assembly and immediate engagement with the TBM propulsion system, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site construction of base slabs and frame amendments
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 reduces construction time, enhances safety, and eliminates the need for extensive chamber modifications, temporary works, and relocation of services, resulting in cost savings and efficient tunnel lining commencement.
Implementation Method 1
a gliding element under each support leg of the shove frame
Implementation Method 2
removable fixing means to anchor the support legs to the floor
Implementation Method 3
a tunnel boring machine that comprises several thrust cylinders that can be extended and retracted
Implementation Method 4
thrust cylinders are attached to the shove ring of the movable shove frame structure by pulling means
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2A~3
Figure 5A~7
AI summary
Movable shove frame structure, device for starting tunnels and method for starting the construction of tunnels. The movable shove frame structure (1) comprises: - a shove frame (2) that comprises support legs (3), - a shove ring (4) and - a thrust ring (5) placed between the shove frame (2) and the shove ring (4), - a gliding element (6) under each support leg (3) of the shove frame (2) and - removable fixing means (7) to anchor the support legs (3) to the floor (8). The method for making tunnels uses the device for starting tunnels and comprises a starting position, an advancement or pushing step, pulling steps, a cyclical repetition of pushing and pulling steps and a final step.