Resilient Core Mine Roof Support Drum with Lateral Transfer Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mine roof supports fail to provide controlled axial yielding while preventing sideways buckling and catastrophic failure under extreme loads, and are unable to rebound and maintain contact with the load after load reduction.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing support system comprising a cylindrical drum with a resilient core member and a load-bearing material, where the core member has a lateral transfer zone to distribute axial loads laterally, allowing the drum to compress and yield while maintaining support contact through radial expansion, and rebounding upon load reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a wood post or simple support is used, then the structure is simple and lightweight, but it cannot provide controlled axial yielding and will result in catastrophic failure when yielding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is segmented into distinct functional components: a resilient core member (segmented into compression zones and lateral transfer zones) and a separate container structure. This segmentation allows the core member to specialize in controlled deformation while the container provides structural containment, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and controlled yielding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a resilient core member (wood or composite material) with a container (metal or composite). This composite approach allows the resilient core to provide controlled axial yielding while the container prevents catastrophic failure, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If a resilient core member with lateral transfer zones is used, then controlled axial yielding is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core member features local quality variations with specific lateral transfer zones positioned at predetermined locations along its length. These localized features enable controlled load transfer to the container at specific points, achieving reliable controlled yielding without requiring complex structures throughout the entire core member.
3Strength
If conventional mine props are used, then support is provided, but they do not allow controlled axial yielding while preventing sideways buckling in a simple, lightweight prop
Solution Approach 1:
The container acts as an intermediary between the resilient core member and the external environment. It mediates the interaction by containing the core member and providing lateral support through its walls, enabling controlled axial yielding while preventing sideways buckling without requiring complex internal bracing structures.
4Force
If a support is compressed under extreme loads, then load bearing is achieved, but the support is incapable of rebounding when the load is reduced or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The core member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between compression and rebound states. The resilient material properties and structural configuration enable the core to dynamically respond to changing loads, absorbing energy during compression and releasing it during rebound, thus maintaining support contact after load reduction.
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
Enables controlled yielding of up to 200-300 tons without releasing the load and maintains contact with the roof surface, suitable for various applications including underground mining, bridge construction, and seismic supports, using inexpensive materials and customizable design.
Implementation Method 1
the core member comprising a lateral transfer zone defined at one or more points along a vertical axis of the core member, the lateral transfer zone arranged to distribute a portion of an axial load on the drum to the cylindrical sidewall
Implementation Method 2
the cylindrical sidewall providing a radial expansion area for compression of the at least one core member and the load-bearing material
Data Source
AI summary
A load bearing support includes a cylindrical drum. A top portion, a bottom portion, a tapered cylindrical sidewall extends between the top and bottom portions. A core member extends between the top and bottom portions, and a load-bearing material is disposed between the sidewall and the core member. An opening extends through the top portion of the drum to receive load-bearing material. Each of the top portion and the bottom portions has a reinforcing chime. The core member includes a lateral transfer zone defined at one or more points along a vertical axis of the core member. The lateral transfer zone distributes an axial load on the drum to the cylindrical sidewall. The cylindrical sidewall provides a radial expansion area for compression of the core member and the load-bearing material.