Sealed Screw Conveyor for Wear-Resistant Tunnelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing overburden in tunnel driving face challenges in achieving low-wear and tear-free operation, particularly when alternating between earth pressure-supported and fluid-supported driving methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves discharging overburden through a first opening in the discharge direction and deactivating a second opening downstream in the conveyor screw casing tube, allowing for early discharge of wear-prone overburden, thereby reducing failure-prone and low-wear operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If overburden is discharged through the second opening (downstream) in fluid-supported tunneling, then the conveying system can be emptied, but wear-prone overburden causes increased wear and operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by discharging wear-prone overburden through the second opening before it can cause significant wear to the conveying system. The method empties the screw conveyor casing of problematic material in advance, preventing future wear issues while maintaining the ability to switch between tunneling modes.
2Productivity
If the second opening is activated for overburden discharge, then the conveying system can be emptied, but this creates failure-prone and high-wear operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of wear-prone overburden into a beneficial process by deliberately discharging it through the second opening. The harmful material is redirected to a discharge path where it can be removed from the system, transforming a potential damage source into a controlled removal mechanism that protects the main conveying system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternating between earth pressure-supported and fluid-supported driving is performed, then tunneling flexibility is improved, but wear and operational problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic switching between different discharge modes (first opening for earth pressure-supported tunneling, second opening for fluid-supported tunneling). The system adapts its discharge configuration based on the active tunneling mode, allowing flexible operation while maintaining reliability by using the appropriate discharge path for each condition.
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
This approach results in a relatively less failure-prone and low-wear operation by discharging wear-prone overburden early, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the tunnel driving process.
Implementation Method 1
a conveying device (18) which has a screw conveyor unit (19) arranged in a casing (20)
Implementation Method 2
a device for discharging the removed excavated material is provided, which is designed to maintain back pressure in the casing
Data Source
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AI summary
In the case of a method and a device for transporting overburden away during tunnelling, a seal (27) that separates a first portion and a second portion of a transporting screw arrangement (19, 31) is provided. As a result, in open tunnelling or in earth-pressure-assisted tunnelling, when the seal (27) is closed, overburden can be transported out of a first opening (22), arranged ahead of the seal (27) in the direction of removal, whereas, when the first opening (22) is closed and the seal (27) is open, the overburden can be transported into the second portion in fluid-assisted tunnelling.