Rigid-Flexible Rescue Accessory for Secondary Collapse Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current earthquake rescue tools face challenges in efficiently handling reinforced concrete walls, as rigid operations can cause secondary collapses and manual cleaning is hazardous, while dual-arm structures are cumbersome, costly, and inconvenient, necessitating a multifunctional accessory with both rigid and flexible capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional engineering rescue accessory featuring a cuboid frame with working hydraulic cylinders, gripping devices, flexible cleaning mechanisms, and a rotating sweeping brush system, allowing for both rigid stone holding and flexible rubble cleaning, enabled by hydraulic control systems and a four-bar mechanism for gripping and sweeping functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rigid operation is used for crushing and handling reinforced concrete walls, then the crushing and handling function is achieved, but secondary collapse may occur endangering trapped persons and rescuers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrushing and handling functionVSAvoidsecondary collapse

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the traditional rigid gripping claw into a flexible cleaning device with adjustable bristles. The cleaning device can dynamically adapt its structure: when retracted, it provides rigid support; when extended, it becomes flexible to conform to rubble surfaces, enabling safe cleaning without causing secondary collapse

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the cleaning device. The bristles can be extended or retracted, changing from a rigid compact state to a flexible extended state. This parameter change allows the device to perform flexible cleaning operations on rubble while maintaining structural integrity when retracted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If manual cleaning of concrete gravel is performed, then the cleaning function is achieved, but rescuers are exposed to aftershocks and secondary collapses endangering their lives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidsafety of rescuers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated flexible cleaning device. The cleaning device is controlled by hydraulic systems and can be operated remotely, substituting rescuers' direct manual intervention with automated mechanical cleaning that eliminates exposure to dangerous environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device performs cleaning operations autonomously without requiring rescuers to manually handle rubble. The device can independently extend bristles, rotate, and clean surfaces, making the rescue operation self-sufficient and removing rescuers from hazardous zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If double-arm structures are used to achieve multi-function operations, then multiple functions are realized, but the structure becomes inconvenient, difficult to manufacture, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-function operationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure. The flexible cleaning device can perform both cleaning operations and structural support functions, while the gripping claws can switch between gripping and supporting roles. This universal design eliminates the need for separate double-arm structures for different functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the cleaning device and support structure into a single integrated system. The cleaning device base serves dual purposes: it houses the cleaning bristles and simultaneously provides structural support as part of the frame. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11679421B2Rigid-flexible operation integrated multi-function engineering rescue equipment

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 BEIJING UNIV OF TECH

AI summary

The invention discloses a multifunctional rigid-flexible operation engineering rescue accessory. The accessory comprises a frame, two working hydraulic cylinders, eight gripping device connecting rods, two gripping claws, a flexible cleaning device base, a movable guide sleeve, a guide slider, a guide slider rail, a rotary guide sleeve, eight sweepers brush, a functional hydraulic cylinder, and a working hydraulic motor. A gravel clearing function and a stone grabbing function are achieved by using one accessory, and different from a traditional engineering accessory integrating rigid movement, the accessory has the advantage of integrating rigid operation and flexible operation. A rigid grabbing system and a flexible sweeping system are arranged outside the frame and in the cavity of the frame respectively, so as to realize function conversion; through pushing out and retracting of a piston of the functional hydraulic cylinder, the sweeping brushes can be pushed out of the cavity to work and retract to be hidden so that the grabbing function and the sweeping function can be rapidly converted; and moreover, working requirements in various working states are met, and motion interference is avoided.