U-Shaped Shoring Cradle for Thermal Load Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoring arrangements face challenges in adjusting to required lengths, maintaining length under load, and being easily removable, while also dealing with thermal loading issues due to temperature fluctuations, which can cause wall/roof movement and damage.
Innovation Solution
A shoring arrangement featuring a U-shaped cradle that supports a support member, allowing axial sliding and rotation, and includes a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator to attenuate thermal loading, with a packing arrangement to manage gaps and stabilize the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If extension mechanisms such as mechanical screws or hydraulic rams are used to adjust support member length, then the support member can be extended to the required length, but the complexity and cost of the support member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing length adjustment without complex extension mechanisms. Each section can move independently to achieve the required length while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member employs dynamic telescopic sections that can extend and retract as needed, transforming from a static fixed-length member to a dynamic adjustable-length member, enabling adaptation to different span requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanisms are included in extension mechanisms to maintain length under load, then the support member can be locked in place, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic sections incorporate self-locking features that automatically engage under load conditions, allowing the support member to maintain its length without external locking mechanisms. The design uses the applied load itself to trigger and maintain the locked state.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member includes pre-positioned detent features and locking surfaces on the telescopic sections that are designed to engage automatically when the section reaches the desired position, providing inherent length stabilization without additional active locking components.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized end fittings are supplied for fine length adjustment and articulation, then precise positioning and articulation are achieved, but the number of different fittings required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic sections are designed with universal interfaces that can perform multiple functions: fine length adjustment, articulation, and load bearing. This single multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized fittings, reducing complexity while maintaining precision capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of fine adjustment mechanisms and articulation features into the telescopic section design itself, merging what would traditionally require separate end fittings into an integrated solution that achieves both precision positioning and rotational capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If support members are designed to maintain length under thermal loading, then structural integrity is maintained, but the ability to accommodate temperature fluctuations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic sections are designed to change their effective length in response to thermal expansion and contraction, allowing the support member to accommodate temperature fluctuations by adjusting the extension or retraction of sections, thereby maintaining structural integrity under varying thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic telescopic design allows the support member to adapt its length continuously in response to thermal loading conditions, transforming from a rigid fixed-length structure to a flexible adaptive structure that can absorb thermal expansion and contraction without compromising stability.
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 solution provides a flexible and stable shoring system that adjusts to varying lengths, withstands thermal loading, and is easily installed and removed, reducing complexity and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
support members are subject to wide temperature fluctuations throughout different days and seasons. This temperature fluctuation leads to a corresponding expansion and contraction of the support member, resulting in a fluctuating axial load. This phenomenon is commonly known as thermal loading.
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator to attenuate thermal loading
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A shoring arrangement, comprising: a support member; and a substantially U-shaped cradle for supporting the support member, wherein the cradle is configured to receive at least a portion of the support member releasably.