Pivotable Shoring Beam for Rapid Trench Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trench shoring methods are cumbersome, time-consuming, and pose a risk of injury when attempting to stabilize deep trench walls, especially in urban areas where space is limited, and often result in unstable additional supports that have not been statically checked.

Innovation Solution

A shoring device featuring pivotable support beams that can be inserted from above between shoring panels, allowing for flexible and rapid deployment of planks of varying lengths and widths, which can be adjusted to accommodate crossing lines without damaging them, and can be stowed away when not in use to minimize trench width and facilitate easier access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If additional supports are produced directly on site for deep trench shoring, then the trench can be shored at greater depths, but the process becomes very cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrench depthVSAvoidshoring installation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support beams are pre-assembled with planks attached in a factory setting before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site construction of supports, allowing workers to simply install pre-fabricated units into the trench.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shoring system is divided into modular components (shoring panels, support beams, planks) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for efficient factory production of individual elements and flexible on-site assembly to achieve various trench depths without constructing entire support structures from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If additional supports are produced directly on site, then greater trench depths can be achieved, but the additional supports are not very stable and have not been statically checked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrench depthVSAvoidsupport stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Support beams and their connection to planks are pre-assembled and pre-checked in the factory before delivery. This preliminary fabrication ensures proper structural integrity and static stability is verified before the components reach the construction site, eliminating the instability issues associated with hasty on-site construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-fabricated support beams include integrated plank attachments that self-stabilize when installed. The design inherently provides structural stability through its construction, requiring minimal additional stabilization measures on-site while ensuring reliable trench support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If support beams are permanently fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but the shoring device cannot adapt to crossing lines or varying trench configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoring stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to trench configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support beams are designed with pivotable connections that allow them to be dynamically adjusted between different positions. They can be swung outward to accommodate crossing utilities or inserted deeper for additional support, then locked into place. This dynamic capability allows the same structural element to adapt to various trench configurations while maintaining stability when locked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support beam system allows for parameter changes in position, angle, and depth of insertion. By varying these parameters, the shoring device can adapt to different trench widths, depths, and utility crossing requirements while maintaining structural integrity through proper locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If the shoring device maintains a fixed width configuration, then structural stability is simplified, but it cannot accommodate varying trench widths or provide access for workers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoring stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to trench widths
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support beams can be dynamically positioned at different widths from the shoring panels. When not in use, they can be swung close to the panel to minimize trench width requirements. When needed, they can be positioned outward to provide worker access or accommodate specific trench width requirements, then locked to maintain the chosen configuration for structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3103925B1Shoring device
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 PASSLER MANFRED
  • EP3103925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3103925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3103925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Shoring device for shoring trenches or canals, with at least two opposing shoring panels 2, 3 and struts 4 arranged between the shoring panels 2, 3, which keep the shoring panels 2, 3 at a distance, wherein at least one shoring panel 2, 3 has at least one transverse support beam 10 on its inner side 9 facing the trench, so that planks or boards 11 can be inserted from above between the inner side 9 of the shoring panel 2, 3 and the support beam 10.