Undulating Rod Frame for Tunnel Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural reinforcement devices for tunnels are heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to install and maneuver, especially in hard-to-reach areas, requiring extensive labor and heavy machinery.
Innovation Solution
A structural reinforcement device comprising a cross-linked frame filled with a filler material, such as sprayed concrete, which is lighter and easier to install, featuring a modular design with undulating rods and joining means for flexible configuration and easy assembly from a grid of overlapping rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional heavy steel frame structures are used for structural reinforcement, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight and ease of installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining steel rods arranged in a triangular pattern with concrete infill material. This composite approach allows the steel framework to provide tensile strength while the concrete provides compressive strength, achieving high structural strength with reduced overall weight compared to solid steel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a lattice framework structure that acts as a lightweight shell, providing structural integrity through its geometric configuration rather than material mass. The triangular rod arrangement creates a rigid yet lightweight framework that can be easily transported and installed.
2Strength
If traditional heavy structural reinforcement devices are used, then structural support capability is improved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The structural reinforcement device is divided into modular units consisting of triangular rod assemblies that can be manufactured separately and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for easier transportation, handling, and installation compared to large monolithic steel structures, while maintaining overall structural strength through the modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates expandable or adjustable elements in the rod assembly that allow the structure to be configured and secured in place during installation. This dynamic capability enables workers to adapt the structure to different tunnel geometries and secure it efficiently without requiring heavy lifting equipment.
3Reliability
If heavy machinery is used for installation, then structural reinforcement quality is improved, but accessibility to hard-to-reach areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the reinforcement structure into smaller modular units, the patent enables installation in confined tunnel spaces where heavy machinery cannot access. Each modular unit can be manually positioned and assembled, maintaining reinforcement quality through standardized design while adapting to limited access conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses smaller auxiliary equipment or manual handling tools as intermediaries to install the modular units in hard-to-reach areas, replacing the need for large heavy machinery. This intermediary approach maintains installation quality while enabling work in confined spaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A structural reinforcement device, the device comprising a frame having a longitudinal axis, at least a portion of the said longitudinal axis being generally arcuate, the frame comprising a plurality of laterally spaced longitudinal rods arranged generally parallel with each other and with the longitudinal axis of the frame, the longitudinal rods being linked together by one or more laterally extending linking member, the or each linking member being arranged to link the longitudinal rods together in an undulating manner to thereby form an upper plane in which at least a first of the longitudinal rods is situated and a lower plane in which at least a second of the longitudinal rods is situated.