Nested Linear Guides for Deep Trench Shoring Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoring devices for deep trenches face challenges in efficient installation and removal, requiring high forces and being time-consuming, due to simultaneous lowering of both shoring devices with their lower ends at the same height, which leads to soil compression and structural instability.

Innovation Solution

A method where the first shoring device is installed with its linear guides protruding downwards, allowing the second inner shoring device to be inserted with its linear guides positioned within the first, enabling easier excavation and installation by separating the soil removal process for each set of guides, reducing the need for high forces and simplifying the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If both shoring devices are lowered simultaneously with their lower ends at the same height, then the installation process is simplified, but high forces are required and soil compression occurs leading to structural instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation processVSAvoidforces required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the installation process into sequential stages: first the outer shoring device is lowered with its linear guides protruding downwards, then the inner shoring device is inserted with its linear guides positioned within the first. This segmentation allows soil to be removed separately for each set of guides, reducing the simultaneous force requirements and avoiding soil compression that would occur with simultaneous lowering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If both shoring devices are lowered simultaneously with their lower ends at the same height, then the installation structure is simplified, but the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation structureVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shoring device is installed first with its linear guides protruding downwards, creating a framework that facilitates subsequent insertion of the inner shoring device. This preliminary action allows the inner device to be guided into position more easily, reducing installation time despite the sequential nature of the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the linear guides protrude downwards, then excavation is facilitated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcavation processVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner shoring device with its linear guides is inserted within the outer shoring device's linear guides, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows both sets of guides to coexist without interfering with excavation operations, as the protruding outer guides facilitate soil removal while the inner guides remain protected and positioned for subsequent use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2722443B1Method and device for shoring deep trenches
Publication Date: 2015.09.02 HESS WILHELM
  • EP2722443B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2722443B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2722443B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The method involves fastening an inner linear guide (13') at an outer linear guide during lowering the outer linear guide into deep trenches such that lower ends of the inner linear guide are provided in a distance above next-lying lower ends of the outer linear guide. The inner linear guide is released from the outer linear guide and lowered upto a bottom of the trenches after lowering the outer linear guide into the trenches. The inner linear guide is lowered, and a spreading frame (3) is inserted between the outer linear guides during digging the trenches. An independent claim is also included for a device for shoring deep trenches.