Stream Bank Stabilization Structure with Prefabricated Modular Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stream barriers pose safety risks due to the need for prolonged work in the streambed during construction, as they are typically built from materials like wood, concrete, or stones, and existing solutions like steel cable traps are complex and not designed for stream bed material retention.

Innovation Solution

A brook barrier system comprising a shoring structure with a carrier in one plane, a flat retaining device, and an anchor, allowing for prefabrication outside the streambed and rapid assembly using a crane, reducing construction time and safety risks by minimizing in-stream work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional stream bank stabilization structures are constructed from wood, concrete, or stone after stream diversion, then the structures can retain streambed material and form steps to slow flow velocity, but workers must spend extended periods in the streambed posing significant safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestream bank stabilization effectivenessVSAvoidworker safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The beam structure is pre-assembled on land with all structural components (struts, connecting pieces, tie rods) prepared beforehand. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for workers to construct the structure within the streambed, removing them from the hazardous environment while ensuring the structure is ready for immediate installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization structure is divided into modular components: beam segments with struts and connecting pieces that can be assembled on land, and separate anchor elements. This segmentation allows pre-assembly of complex structural portions in a safe environment while simplifying the in-stream installation to placing pre-assembled modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If steel cable traps with deep anchoring are used for stream bank stabilization, then the structures can be anchored securely, but complex anchoring work is required and the structures are not designed to retain debris from the streambed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidanchoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring function is merged with the beam structure itself. The tie rod connects the beam's central connecting piece directly to the anchor, integrating the anchoring mechanism into the overall beam assembly. This unified design simplifies both the anchoring process and the structure's ability to retain debris, as both functions are built into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If stream bank stabilization structures are constructed on-site from traditional materials, then the structures can be adapted to specific site conditions, but construction time is extended and worker exposure to danger increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesite condition adaptabilityVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The beam structure is pre-assembled on land with all structural components prepared beforehand. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for workers to construct the structure within the streambed, removing them from the hazardous environment while ensuring the structure is ready for immediate installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The beam structure incorporates adjustable parameters such as variable strut lengths, configurable connecting pieces, and adaptable tie rod anchoring positions. These parameter variations allow the pre-assembled structure to be customized for different site conditions while maintaining the efficiency of pre-fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3361005B1Ditch installation
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 MAIR WILFRIED GMBH SRL
  • EP3361005B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3361005B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3361005B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Stream bank stabilization for retaining material (2) from a stream bed, wherein - a stabilization structure (3) with a support (4) arranged substantially in a plane and a planar retention device (5) supported by the support (4), in particular a grid (5), and - an anchor (7) for anchoring the support (4) in a subsoil.