Trench Wall Support Bracket and Guide Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting trench walls during excavation require multiple personnel for assembly and are either costly or complex, particularly when using pneumatic systems, which are not efficient in terms of time and labor.
Innovation Solution
A trench wall support system featuring a telescopic prop with a bracket and guide that allows for single-person assembly, using a plastics material like glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) to reduce corrosion and improve longevity, and a slot-based guide for secure and easy alignment of the prop, eliminating the need for separate guiding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If opposing boards are arranged vertically against trench walls with a prop, then trench wall support is achieved, but at least two personnel are required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed to self-align and support the prop end automatically when positioned on the board, eliminating the need for manual holding during extension. The guide features guide the prop into the correct position on the bracket, enabling single-person assembly while maintaining reliable trench wall support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a person holds the prop horizontally at load bearing position while another extends it, then prop stability is maintained, but assembly time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket provides automatic support and stabilization of the prop end at the load bearing position through its structural design. The guide features automatically guide the prop into the correct position on the bracket during extension, eliminating the need for manual holding and reducing assembly time while maintaining prop stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary device between the board and the prop, providing a stable support point that maintains prop stability during extension. The guide features serve as intermediaries that automatically align and position the prop on the bracket, reducing the need for manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If pneumatic jacks are used to force boards against trench walls, then automated support is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pneumatic jack system from the trench wall support mechanism. Instead, it uses a simple manual placement system where the bracket and guide features enable easy positioning and support of the prop, achieving adequate automation for the application without excessive complexity or cost.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support (20) for a prop (22). The prop (22) comprises a telescopic tube (26) and opposing transversely extending feet. The support (20) comprises a board (30) for contacting a support surface to transmit a supporting load thereto; a load bearing surface for receiving the supporting load from a prop (22); a bracket (32) coupled to the board (30), the bracket (32) arranged to support an end of the prop (22) at a load bearing position on the load bearing surface; and a guide for guiding the prop (22) to the load bearing position.