Nested Vault Tunnel Widening Device for Train Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunnel widening devices do not adequately protect trains from falling rocks and collisions with construction equipment or personnel, and they are complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A support structure designed as a vault with additional protective arches made of wood, connected by wooden planks, which forms a separate protective tunnel that can be easily assembled and positioned, providing comprehensive protection and flexibility during tunnel expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support structure designed as a vault is used for tunnel widening, then the tunnel cross-section can be expanded while maintaining traffic flow, but the protection of trains from falling rocks and construction equipment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested protective structure where an inner vault is positioned inside the outer support structure. The inner vault is supported by vertical supports that connect to the outer structure, creating a nested configuration. This nested design provides enhanced protection for trains while maintaining a manageable overall structure complexity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device is divided into distinct functional segments: the outer support structure, the inner vault, vertical supports connecting them, and a separating wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while assembling into a complete protective system that enhances train safety without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If the support structure is completely enclosed to protect trains, then train protection is improved, but the device becomes difficult to manufacture and position
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is divided into distinct functional segments: the outer support structure, the inner vault, vertical supports connecting them, and a separating wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while assembling into a complete protective system that enhances train safety without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable elements including a movable protective cover at the front end and movable vertical supports that can be adjusted during assembly and operation. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt to different tunnel conditions and facilitates easier assembly, disassembly, and repositioning while maintaining complete protection when deployed.
3Reliability
If protective covers are added to the support structure, then train protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested protective structure where an inner vault is positioned inside the outer support structure. The inner vault is supported by vertical supports that connect to the outer structure, creating a nested configuration. This nested design provides enhanced protection for trains while maintaining a manageable overall structure complexity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into an integrated system where the inner vault, vertical supports, and separating wall work together as a unified protective ensemble. The movable protective cover integrates with this system to provide comprehensive protection. This merging of functions into a coordinated system provides robust protection without the complexity of separate independent protective systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the protective tunnel is made rigid for stability, then structural stability is improved, but the ease of assembly and positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates movable elements including a movable protective cover at the front end and movable vertical supports that can be adjusted during assembly and operation. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt to different tunnel conditions and facilitates easier assembly, disassembly, and repositioning while maintaining complete protection when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The arch elements are pre-formed and pre-assembled into complete arch units before being transported to the tunnel site. This preliminary preparation allows the arches to be installed as complete units, providing immediate structural stability upon installation while simplifying the on-site assembly process. The vertical supports are also prepared in advance for efficient positioning between the outer structure and inner vault.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A tunnel widening system comprises a support structure (9) designed as a vault, which can be inserted into the tunnel. Equipment is attached to the outside of this support structure for removing and transporting the tunnel vault material. This support structure (9) forms an interior space that remains open to traffic. A protective structure (4), formed by a further vault (5), is integrated into the support structure (9) and separates the interior space (7) open to traffic from the support structure (9). This design provides optimal protection for traffic passing through the tunnel during the construction process.