Sheet Pile Pulling Installation Apparatus for Deformation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet pile systems face challenges in minimizing deformation and damage during installation, particularly with plastic sheet piles, which can lead to costly replacements and compromised structural integrity due to misjudgments in thickness and driving force, and warpage or twisting causing separation of locked edges.

Innovation Solution

A sheet pile installation apparatus with a rigid elongate beam and engagement elements that pull sheet piles into the ground from the end, incorporating protective toe members and a grout tube for sealing, and a tandem installation system to minimize deformation and ensure positive engagement and locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If sheet piles are made thicker to withstand driving loads, then structural strength is improved, but material cost and handling cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the installation method from driving (compressive force) to pulling (tensile force), which fundamentally alters the stress parameters experienced by the sheet pile during installation. This parameter change eliminates the need for excessive thickness to resist driving forces, as the sheet pile is now subjected to tension rather than compression during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional installation approach by pulling the sheet pile from the bottom end rather than pushing from the top. This inversion changes the force application point and direction, allowing the sheet pile to be installed without requiring the oversized cross-sections needed for traditional driven installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If sheet piles are made with strengthening cross-sectional shapes, then bending resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the installation method to pull rather than drive, the patent eliminates the need for complex cross-sectional shapes designed to resist bending during driving. The simpler cross-sections are sufficient because the pulling installation method does not subject the sheet pile to the same bending stresses as traditional driving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The change from compressive to tensile loading during installation alters the stress distribution parameters, reducing the requirement for complex cross-sectional geometries that would be needed to resist bending moments during driving operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional driving force is applied, then installation speed is improved, but sheet pile deformation and damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidsheet pile integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the force application method from pushing to pulling, which fundamentally changes how the sheet pile experiences stress during installation. This inversion prevents deformation and damage while maintaining installation efficiency, as the tensile forces during pulling do not cause the same buckling or warping issues as compressive driving forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the engagement element at the bottom end of the sheet pile) that mediates the force application. This intermediary allows controlled pulling force to be applied directly to the sheet pile, ensuring uniform installation without the deformation caused by direct impact driving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If male and female edges are locked together, then barrier continuity is improved, but warpage and twisting cause separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier continuityVSAvoidlocking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the installation method to pulling rather than driving, the patent prevents warpage and twisting that would otherwise cause the locked edges to separate. The pulling force maintains the sheet pile's structural integrity, ensuring that the male and female locked edges remain properly engaged throughout installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS8419317B2System and method for installing sheet piles

Publication Date: 2013.04.16 CMI CO LTD

AI summary

A system for installation of sheet pile including a sheet pile installation apparatus having a substantially rigid elongate beam with an upper end and a lower end, and at least one drive finger proximal the lower end of the substantially rigid elongate beam; and a sheet pile having an elongate member with an upper end and a lower end, and a first side and a second side, the first side having a male profile lock and the second side having a female profile lock, the sheet pile further including at least one receiver proximal the lower end for receiving the at least one drive finger of the sheet pile installation apparatus.