Rock Anchor Pressure-Tight Connection Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting supply pipes to the inner channel of a rock bolt do not provide a pressure-tight connection, which is necessary for high-pressure applications and safe operation, especially when manually operated.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a central block, a supply pipe, and two hydraulic force transmitters that allow for precise control and high contact pressing forces, ensuring a pressure-tight connection by using concentric hydraulic chamber/piston pairings and a gripper drive to clamp the central block onto the rock bolt, while preventing unintentional supply of plastics components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single force transmitter is used to press the supply pipe onto the rock bolt, then the device complexity is reduced, but the contact pressing force is insufficient for high-pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission function is segmented into two independent force transmitters: a first force transmitter that presses the supply pipe onto the rock bolt, and a second force transmitter that clamps the central block onto the rock bolt. This segmentation allows each transmitter to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high contact pressing forces while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional decomposition.
2Ease of operation
If the apparatus is designed with a compact construction, then the manoeuvrability and positioning ease are improved, but the space for hydraulic components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic components are nested within the central block structure. The first hydraulic chamber is formed within the central block, and the second hydraulic chamber is integrated into the gripper drive mechanism. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of internal space, allowing sufficient hydraulic component capacity while maintaining a compact external footprint that improves manoeuvrability and positioning ease.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional supply of plastics components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the state of both force transmitters and the supply pipe positioning. The control logic receives feedback from sensors detecting whether the supply pipe is properly pressed onto the rock bolt and whether the central block is clamped, and only allows plastics component supply when both conditions are satisfied. This feedback-based interlocking prevents unintentional supply during manual operation while maintaining ease of use.
4Manufacturing precision
If the supply pipe is fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different rock bolt positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supply pipe is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the first force transmitter, which can press the supply pipe onto the rock bolt with high precision while allowing the pipe to be repositioned for different rock bolt locations. The hydraulic pressing mechanism provides controlled force application that ensures precise connection at each position while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to various rock bolt positions and orientations in the drill hole.
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 apparatus achieves a substantially pressure-tight connection, enabling safe and efficient operation at high pressures, with flexible control logic and a compact design that allows for easy positioning and reduced risk of environmental pollution.
Implementation Method 1
The first force transmitter is provided by the supply pipe and the central block being arranged as a first hydraulic chamber/piston pairing
Implementation Method 2
The second force transmitter is provided by the gripper drive and the central block being arranged as a hydraulic chamber/piston pairing
Data Source
AI summary
A compact apparatus for providing a substantially pressure-tight connection between a source of a plastics component and an opening of an inner channel of a rock bolt. The apparatus includes a central block moveable to be aligned with the rock bolt, a supply pipe slidably arranged in the central block, a first force transmitter, a gripper for attaching the central block to the rock bolt, a gripper drive slidably mounted on the central block and arranged to operate the gripper, and a second force transmitter, such that the first force transmitter is arranged to press the supply pipe onto the opening of the inner channel of the rock bolt. The gripper is mounted on the central block, and the second force transmitter is arranged to operate the gripper drive to force the gripper to clamp the central block onto the rock bolt.