Polystyrene Compression Element for Uniform Shotcrete Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression elements for underground mining are heavy, unwieldy, complex to install, and require multiple people, with suboptimal load transfer and adaptability to installation conditions, leading to high costs and potential damage to shotcrete linings.
Innovation Solution
A polystyrene compression element with varying densities and a cuboid shape, allowing for easy installation and adaptation to specific conditions, providing uniform force distribution and minimizing damage to shotcrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional compression elements (concrete, plastic, steel) are used, then structural strength is achieved, but weight increases and installation complexity increases requiring at least two people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional heavy materials (concrete, steel) to expanded polystyrene foam, fundamentally altering the density and weight characteristics while maintaining compressive strength through cellular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure combining polystyrene beads bound with adhesive agents to achieve both lightweight properties and sufficient structural strength for compression element functionality
2Strength
If traditional compression elements with various shapes and materials are used, then load bearing capacity is achieved, but device complexity increases and adaptability to installation conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal compression element design where a single basic shape (cuboid or cylindrical) can be adapted to various installation conditions through dimensional variations rather than requiring multiple specialized shapes for different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves adaptability by changing dimensional parameters (length, width, height) of a standardized shape rather than creating different geometric forms, simplifying the device while maintaining versatility
3Force
If traditional compression elements are used, then compression function is achieved, but load transfer to shotcrete is not optimal causing stress concentrations and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a material with heterogeneous internal structure (polystyrene beads with adhesive binding) that provides different properties at different scales: soft at micro-level for stress distribution, rigid at macro-level for load bearing
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 polystyrene compression element ensures efficient, cost-effective installation and uniform force distribution, reducing damage to shotcrete linings and enabling flexible adaptation to geological conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Polystyrene exhibits non-linear, hyper-elasto-plastic deformation behavior. Such a device enables optimal compression behavior
Implementation Method 2
Due to the advantageous deformation properties of polystyrene, tangential forces can be transferred across the entire surface of the shotcrete shell. This uniform force distribution prevents areas of exceptionally high and areas of exceptionally low force transmission
Implementation Method 3
polystyrene exhibits high resistance to chemical influences and high corrosion resistance. This allows the devices to be used even under adverse conditions in underground mining (e.g., moisture) and generally on construction sites
Implementation Method 4
The polystyrene may contain a polymeric flame retardant. This makes the polystyrene difficult to ignite and thus gives it favorable fire behavior. As a result, virtually no smoke is produced
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for absorbing rock deformations in underground mining, in particular a compression element (1), wherein the device has a base, a height, and a depth and comprises polystyrene. The device preferably comprises expanded polystyrene, and in particular preferably high-strength expanded polystyrene.