Pivoting Hydraulic Manifold for Shoring System Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoring systems have limited user access to the hydraulic manifold, making it difficult to quickly and efficiently control the shoring system, especially in emergency situations and during installation or removal processes, which reduces operational safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally secured manifold that can be moved between a shielded and exposed position, allowing for easy access to hydraulic controls and connections, enhancing user control and safety by protecting the manifold from accidental manipulation during normal use while allowing for quick access when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the manifold is fixed in a shielded position, then the shoring system is protected from accidental manipulation during normal use, but user access to hydraulic controls is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is made movable between a shielded position (for protection during normal operation) and an exposed position (for user access during maintenance or emergencies). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the manifold is always exposed, then user access to hydraulic controls is improved, but the manifold becomes vulnerable to accidental manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold transitions from a static exposed state to a dynamic system that can be positioned either exposed or shielded. This allows the system to provide easy access when needed while maintaining protection during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and safety.
3Reliability
If the manifold is shielded during normal use, then operational safety is improved, but emergency response time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The movable manifold allows rapid transition from the shielded position to the exposed position during emergencies. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain safety during normal operation while allowing quick access when emergencies occur, resolving the time-safety contradiction.
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
The movable manifold enables safer, more convenient, and efficient operation of the shoring system by allowing easy access to hydraulic controls, facilitating emergency responses and improving the efficiency of installation and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic jack or cylinder 10 is mounted proximate each cross member, and the ends of each hydraulic jack are also mounted, via respective pads, in the channels of the opposing wales 3. The hydraulic jacks operate to expand or contract the space between the side walls 2
Implementation Method 2
A coiled steel closure spring 7 helps draw together the side walls 2, during removal of the assembly 1 from an excavation
Data Source
AI summary
Improved shoring systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a shoring system includes first and second opposing side walls. A manifold is pivotally connected to the first side wall and is pivotally moveable between a shielded position and an exposed position. In the shielded position, the manifold is at least partially covered by a shield. In the exposed position, the manifold is pivoted upward to expose components of the manifold, such as hydraulic inlets and outlets, valves, and hydraulic fluid lines. The shoring system is safer, easier, and more efficient to operate than conventional shoring systems.