Stay Installation Shuttle with Entanglement Detection and Rotation
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of tensioned reinforcements in stayed suspension systems for civil engineering structures faces challenges in maintaining parallelism and minimizing the diameter of the sheath while maximizing the number of strands to support large structures, as existing methods require bulky shuttles and significant space within the sheath to prevent entanglement during hoisting.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a shuttle with driving and guiding means that detects entangling twists and rotates to compensate, allowing for the installation of groups of reinforcements in a compact sheath with uniform tension, minimizing the shuttle's cross-section and optimizing space usage by compacting already installed strands to facilitate the passage of the shuttle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the number of strands per stay is maximized to increase supporting capacity, then the supporting capacity is improved, but the diameter of the sheath increases leading to greater aerodynamic drag
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into sequential phases where strands are installed in groups rather than individually. The sheath is divided into occupied and available spaces, with the shuttle operating in the available space. This segmentation allows compact arrangement of multiple strands while maintaining access for installation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle is designed to operate within the sheath, nesting the installation equipment inside the structure it serves. The shuttle's compact design allows it to move through the sheath after strands are installed, enabling subsequent strands to be positioned without requiring excessive clearance space.
2Reliability
If a bulky shuttle is used to prevent entanglement during hoisting, then the reliability of strand installation is improved, but the space required in the sheath increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle is designed with rotational capability to dynamically adjust its orientation during hoisting operations. When entanglement is detected, the shuttle rotates about its longitudinal axis to compensate and eliminate twisting of the strands. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability without requiring a larger, bulkier shuttle design.
Solution Approach 2:
A detection system monitors the hoisting process for signs of entanglement or twisting of strands. When entanglement is detected, the system triggers rotation of the shuttle to correct the issue. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable installation while maintaining a compact shuttle design that minimizes sheath space requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If strands are installed one by one or in small groups, then the sheath diameter can be minimized, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple strands are merged into groups and installed together using a single shuttle operation. The shuttle connects to groups of strands simultaneously and hoists them together through the sheath. This combining approach reduces the number of separate installation operations required, significantly reducing total installation time while maintaining a compact sheath diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle operates continuously to install strand groups without requiring repeated entry and exit operations. After installing one group, the shuttle remains positioned to immediately install the next group, maintaining continuous productive action. This continuity eliminates idle time between installations while keeping the sheath compact.
4Volume of stationary object
If the shuttle cross-section is reduced to minimize sheath space, then the sheath diameter is minimized, but the risk of strand entanglement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compact shuttle incorporates rotational capability to dynamically correct entanglement issues. When strands begin to twist or entangle during hoisting through the compact shuttle, the shuttle rotates about its longitudinal axis to compensate and restore proper strand alignment. This dynamic correction maintains reliability despite the reduced shuttle cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle's rotational parameter is changed in response to detected entanglement conditions. By varying the rotational state of the shuttle during the hoisting process, the system compensates for the constraints imposed by the compact design, ensuring strands remain parallel and properly aligned throughout installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembly of a stay includes a series of steps that include connecting in the vicinity of an anchoring zone, a new group of N reinforcements to a shuttle located within the sheath of a stay to be installed. The shuttle is driven towards another anchoring zone by means of driving and guiding means. When the shuttle has arrived substantially in the vicinity of the anchoring zone, and as long as entangling is detected between the driving and guiding means in a portion contained substantially between the shuttle and the first anchoring zone, the shuttle is rotated about its main axis in the opposite direction to the said entangling. The group of N reinforcements is then separated from the shuttle. Each reinforcement of the group is tensioned between the anchoring zones. The preceding steps are repeated until the installation of the reinforcements is completed.