U-Profile Mining Support with External Anchor Clamps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underground mine excavation support systems face challenges with material inputs, installation time, and labor due to internal yokes and round openings in the frame bearing profile, which weaken the U-shaped profile and reduce its strength.

Innovation Solution

A support system comprising two U-shaped profile supports and an arch segment forming a portal, with anchor openings located on the horizontal neutral axis, and connected by movable and stationary clamps to maintain profile integrity and strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If internal yokes are added to prevent longitudinal twisting of the channel profile, then the stability of the profile is improved, but the device complexity and material inputs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile stabilityVSAvoidclamp complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the anti-twisting function from the internal yoke structure and relocates it to external stationary clamps with fixing openings. This separation allows the channel profile to remain simple while the anti-twisting mechanism is provided by the clamp system, reducing material inputs and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary clamp acts as an intermediary element between the channel profile and the rock bolts. It provides the fixing openings that prevent longitudinal twisting without requiring complex internal yoke structures within the profile itself, thus simplifying the profile design while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If round openings are formed in the U-shaped profile for anchor installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength of the profile is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchor installation easeVSAvoidprofile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the anchor openings from the load-bearing U-shaped profile and relocates them to the stationary clamps. This allows the profile to maintain its full strength without holes, while the clamps provide the necessary openings for anchor installation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary clamp serves as an intermediary that carries the anchor openings and fixing openings. This mediator approach allows anchors to be installed without compromising the integrity of the U-shaped profile, as the openings are now in the clamp rather than in the load-bearing profile sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If stationary clamps with fixing openings are used to connect arch segment to supports, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the material inputs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial inputs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The stationary clamp is designed to perform multiple functions: connecting the arch segment to the support, providing fixing openings for rock bolts, and preventing longitudinal twisting. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the invention achieves high connection reliability without proportionally increasing material inputs, as the clamp serves several purposes simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4534796A1Support housing
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ACAD GORNICZO HUTNICZA IM STANISLAWA STASZICA
  • EP4534796A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4534796A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4534796A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject of the invention relates to a mining support, which includes two supports (1, 2) located opposite each other and an arch segment (3) arranged between them to form a portal. Both the supports (1, 2) and the arch segment (3) are formed from profiles having a U-shaped in cross-section with a horizontal neutral axis (9) and a vertical axis of symmetry (8) dividing the profile into a first arm (A) and an opposite symmetrical second arm (B). The first and second arms (A, B) of the support (1, 2) profiles and the arch segment (3) facing outwards of the portal, and the position of the first and second arms (A, B) of the support (1, 2) profiles corresponds to the position of the first and second arms (A, B) of the arch segment (3) profile. The arch segment (3) overlaps each of the supports (1, 2) with a lap and is connected to the support (1, 2) in the lap area by means of at least a movable clamp (5a) located at the end of the support (1, 2), and a stationary clamp (5b) located at the end of the arch segment (3), each stationary clamp (5b) has an fixing opening (22). Anchor openings (10) are formed in the supports (1, 2) and in the segment (3), wherein at least two anchor openings (10) are formed in each support (1, 2) and at least one anchor opening (10) is formed in the arch segment (3). Each anchor opening (10) is located at the intersection of the neutral axis (9) and the first or second arm (A, B) of the profile, while the longitudinal axis of the anchor opening (10) extends toward the area between the end of the first and second arm (A, B) of the profile.