Yieldable Mine Support Prop Deformation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steel elongate support technologies in mining fail to effectively manage ground movement and maintain integrity in high stress environments, particularly in coal and metal mining, where they lack the ability to accept ground deformation and resist closure of mined openings.
Innovation Solution
A yieldable mine support prop comprising a first metal tube with a first outside diameter and a second metal tube with a second outside diameter, where the second tube is deformed and expands to create resistance against the mine roof load, utilizing weld beads or rings to create an interference mechanism between the two tubes, allowing for progressive increase in support resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current steel elongate support technologies are used, then structural strength is provided, but the ability to accept ground movement and maintain integrity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support prop transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic system that can adapt its properties. The second tube is designed to deform progressively under load, changing its diameter and creating interference with the first tube. This dynamic response allows the support to accept ground movement while maintaining integrity through controlled deformation and progressive resistance development.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism changes physical parameters under load. As the second tube receives load from the mine roof, its diameter increases through deformation, transforming from a non-interfering fit to an interfering fit with the first tube. This parameter change enables the support to adapt to varying ground conditions and maintain reliability throughout the deformation process.
2Force
If a rigid support structure is used, then immediate support resistance is provided, but the structure cannot accommodate ground closure in high stress environments
Solution Approach 1:
The support provides immediate resistance through the rigid first tube while incorporating a dynamic second tube that can deform to accommodate ground closure. The system transitions from a purely rigid structure to one that combines immediate resistance with adaptive deformation capability, allowing it to function in high stress environments where ground movement occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is divided into two distinct tube segments with different functions. The first tube provides immediate rigid support resistance, while the second tube provides adaptive deformation capability. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between providing immediate force and accommodating ground closure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the second tube fits freely over the first tube, then assembly is simple, but no resistance is created against mine roof load
Solution Approach 1:
The second tube is pre-formed with dimensions that allow free assembly over the first tube, maintaining ease of manufacture. However, the tube is designed with specific material properties and geometric characteristics that cause it to deform and create interference when subjected to mine roof load, thereby generating the necessary resistance force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a non-interfering fit during assembly to an interfering fit under load. The second tube's diameter parameter changes in response to applied load, transforming the relationship between the two tubes from free-fitting to interference-based resistance generation, thus achieving both easy assembly and effective load resistance.
4Reliability
If the second portion deforms the second tube to create resistance, then support integrity is maintained under load, but the mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The first tube features a localized second portion with specific geometric properties (such as a welded bead or ring) that creates the interference mechanism. This local quality change concentrates the complexity in a specific region rather than throughout the entire structure, maintaining overall simplicity while providing the necessary deformation-based resistance to maintain support integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The yieldable mine support prop effectively resists mine roof closure by deforming and expanding under load, providing enhanced resistance and maintaining support integrity in high stress environments, while allowing for adjustable height and adaptability to varying mine opening dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion deforms the second tube and expands the second tube creating resistance against the load from the mine roof
Implementation Method 2
the second portion is a welded bead or ring... creates resistance to a second tube of the prop as the second tube receives load
Data Source
AI summary
A yield support prop for a mine includes a first metal tube extending from the mine floor having a first portion having a first outside diameter and a second portion having a second outside diameter. The prop includes a second metal tube that is disposed about the first portion and extends toward the mine roof, when the second tube receives a load from the mine roof, the second portion deforms the second tube and expands the second tube creating resistance against the load from the mine roof. A method for supporting a mine roof. A method for building a yieldable mine prop.