A method and system for anchoring between elements of a structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to system for rapid anchoring between elements during the building of a structure comprising: (a) a mini-sleeve (MS) comprising at least a pair of bendable outer wings, where each of said outer wings is attached, at its top side, to a side of said MS at a protruding angle; and (b) a sleeve, larger than said MS, comprising at least a pair of bendable inner wings, where each of said inner wings is attached at its bottom side to a side of said sleeve at an angle, and where said inner wings correspond to said outer wings of said MS; wherein said sleeve is anchored and stabilized, by said outer wings of said MS and said inner wings of said sleeve, when said sleeve is dressed over said MS.

Description

[0001] A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ANCHORING BETWEEN ELEMENTS OF A STRUCTURE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to structure building. More particularly, for integrating between elements during the building of a structure.

[0004] Background

[0005] As of today, a typical construction process of a building starts by creating a strong foundation base of concrete. After the concrete base is set and hardened, multiple pillars, or metal columns, are placed in correspondence with the walls of the building. The columns are typically suspended to the concrete base and attached to the walls by known means. The columns are typically needed for supporting beams, trusses, floor slabs, and for holding the next floor.

[0006] In recent years, 3D concrete printing technology has evolved rapidly. The process of layer-by-layer concrete stacking, by a 3D printer, is replacing the traditional process of manual masonry. The 3D printing process has high efficiency, low cost, high level of automation and other advanced features.

[0007] The 3D concrete printing technology is typically associated with a modelling software that interprets the 3D model and uploads the building plans directly to the printer. The printer, which comprises a self-supporting structure with a Cartesian configuration, is equipped with a printing head having a nozzle that deposits layers of concrete to create a structure. However, it is desired to eliminate any obstructions, during the construction process, in order to prevent the printer head from colliding with a vertical component.

[0008] WO2023066772 discloses a system and a method for collision avoidance of a 3D robotic concrete printer, whereby the method comprises the steps of executing software instructions, such as based on G-Code, with a 3D robotic concrete printer by moving a tool in a path for applying concrete material. The disclosed system moves the tool in response to commands to a motion planner, the movement being assisted by a model-based collision prediction system. The disclosed model-based collision-prediction system involves the steps of inferring and generating 3D geometries of concrete structures. The 3D robotic concrete printer, using the 3D geometries as a 3D collision model, allows at any point in time to check if parts of the 3D robotic concrete printer would yield a collision when performing the desired movement. The disclosed 3D collision model of the concrete structure is developed in parallel to the application and is updated in correspondence to the progress of the execution of the process instructions. Nevertheless, the disclosed system requires the predesign of a 3D collision model.

[0009] It would therefore be desired to propose a system void of these deficiencies.

[0010] Summary

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for combining 3D concrete printing with erecting columns for building structures. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for combining 3D concrete printing with erecting columns while preventing the printer head from colliding with the columns.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for underwater construction using concrete and metal columns without requiring underwater welding.

[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for attaching prefabricated walls.

[0014] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for the rapid anchoring between concrete and metal elements during the building of a structure

[0015] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

[0016] The present invention relates to system for rapid anchoring between elements during the building of a structure comprising: (a) a mini-sleeve (MS) comprising at least a pair of bendable outer wings, where each of said outer wings is attached, at its top side, to a side of said MS at a protruding angle; and (b) a sleeve, larger than said MS, comprising at least a pair of bendable inner wings, where each of said inner wings is attached at its bottom side to a side of said sleeve at an angle, and where said inner wings correspond to said outer wings of said MS; wherein said sleeve is anchored and stabilized, by said outer wings of said MS and said inner wings of said sleeve, when said sleeve is dressed over said MS. Preferably, the MS also comprises a head in the shape of a rectangular pyramid.

[0017] Preferably, the MS also comprises a flange, connected to the bottom of said MS.

[0018] Preferably, the MS is made of galvanized steel.

[0019] Preferably, each of the bendable outer wings, of the MS, has a length of between 5-7 cm, a width of between 5-7 cm, and a depth of between 2-4 mm.

[0020] Preferably, each of the bendable inner wings, of the sleeve, has a length of between 5-7 cm and a width of between 5-7 cm, and a depth of between 4-2 mm.

[0021] The present invention further relates to a method for rapid anchoring between elements during the building of a structure comprising: (a) providing a mini-sleeve (MS) comprising at least a pair of bendable outer wings, where each of said outer wings is attached, at its top side, to a side of said MS at a protruding angle; (b) providing a sleeve, larger than said MS, comprising at least a pair of bendable inner wings, where each of said inner wing is attached at its bottom side to a side of said sleeve at an angle, and where said inner wings correspond to said outer wings of said MS; and (c) dressing said sleeve over said MS, for anchoring and stabilizing said sleeve in place over said MS.

[0022] In one embodiment, cementitious paste, is poured into the sleeve and over the MS for interlocking the outer wings and the inner wings, in order fasten said MS and said sleeve together. In one embodiment, a cage is dressed over the sleeve and concrete is poured over said cage and over said sleeve in order fasten the cage and the sleeve together.

[0023] In one embodiment, a metal column is dressed over the sleeve and a hardening substance is poured into the column in order fasten the column and the sleeve together.

[0024] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The accompanying drawings, and specific references to their details, are herein used, by way of example only, to illustratively describe some of the embodiments of the invention.

[0026] In the drawings:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a mini-sleeve (MS), according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a diagram of a sleeve, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a diagram of a sleeve, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a diagram of a sleeve dressed over a MS, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a diagram of a cage of steel bars dressed over the sleeve, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a diagram of a steel column dressed over a sleeve, according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 is a diagram of a prefabricated wall with an inner sleeve for dressing over a MS, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Detailed Description

[0034] The terms of “front”, “rear”, “down”, “up”, “bottom”, “upper”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, "right", "left" or any reference to sides or directions are used throughout the description for the sake of brevity alone and are relative terms only and not intended to require a particular component orientation.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a mini-sleeve (MS) 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment, the MS 100 may be made of galvanized steel, iron, advanced plastic materials, etc. The MS 100 has, on two of its opposing sides, a pair of bendable outer wings, such as outer wings 211-212, for holding and stabilizing a sleeve, such as described in relations to fig. 2 for example, that can be dressed over the MS 100. In some embodiments, the MS 100 may have more than 2 wings, such as 4 wings on all 4 sides of the MS 100. Each wing may have a length of between 5-7 cm and a width of between 5-7 cm, and a depth of between 2-4 mm, according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, the wings may have other lengths and other widths in accordance with the required loads and the known standards. The wings 211-212 are preferably attached, at their top side, to the sides of the MS 100 at a protruding angle, for the flexible bending of the wings when the sleeve is dressed over the MS 100. In one embodiment, for each wing, the angle between the wing and the side of the MS 100 is between 1-5 degrees with a top vertex. In an embodiment the MS 100 has a shape contour of a rectangular cuboid. In other embodiments, the MS 100 may have other shape contours, such as an elongated hexagonal shape, etc. In one embodiment the MS 100 may have a “pyramid” shaped head on top, such as rectangular pyramid 120, for guiding the dressing of the sleeve when the sleeve is fitted from above over the MS 100. In other embodiments, other shapes and forms of heads are possible such a rounded arrow head, mushroom head, etc. According to an embodiment, the head 120 may be made of steel, iron, advanced plastic material or any other rigid material. In one embodiment, the MS 100 may have a flange 110 welded, or connected in any other way, to its bottom for suspending the MS 100 to the foundation base of the structure. For example, an attachment tool, such as screws, chemical anchors, steel bars, etc., may be inserted into the holes, such as hole 111, located within the flange 110 of the MS 100, for suspending the MS 100 to the foundation base. According to an embodiment, the MS 100 may have a length of 8 cm and a width of 8 cm. According to an embodiment, the MS 100 may have a height of 15 cm top to bottom, not including the flange 110 and the head 120. According to an embodiment, the MS 100, may be hollow within and its sides may have a depth of 5 mm. In other embodiments, the MS 100 may have other lengths widths heights and side depths. In one embodiment, the MS has a length between 8-16 cm. In one embodiment, the MS has a width between 8-16 cm. In one embodiment, the MS has a height between 15-30 cm, not including the flange and head. In one embodiment, the MS has a side depth between 5-10 mm. In other embodiments, the MS 100 may have other lengths widths heights and side depths, while the proportions correspond to the dimensions mentioned before. According to an embodiment, the flange 110 of MS 100 may have a length of less than 20 cm and a width of less than 20 cm and a depth of between 3-20 mm. In other embodiments, the flange 110 of MS 100 may have other possible lengths and widths, according to the requirements, as long as his width and length are larger than the length and width of MS 100 for allowing the attachment of the flange to the foundation base. Fig. 2 is a diagram of a sleeve 300, according to an embodiment of the invention. The sleeve 300, which is shaped as a rectangular cuboid, is hollow from bottom to top and is intended for dressing over the MS 100, as described in relations to Fig. 1. According to another embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have other shape contour such as the shape of an elongated hexagonal, etc. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may be made of galvanized steel, iron, advanced plastic materials, etc. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a height of 40 cm. According to another embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a height of 60 cm. According to another embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a height of 260 cm. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a height of between 40-600 cm. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have the height of the intended height of the ceiling of the structure. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a length of 10 cm and a width of 10 cm. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a side depths of 5 mm. In other embodiments, the sleeve 300 may have other lengths widths heights and side depths. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a length between 10-20 cm. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a width between 10-20 cm. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a height between 40-80 cm. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 may have a side depth between 2-20 mm. In other embodiments, the sleeve 300 may have other lengths widths heights and side depths, while the proportions correspond to the dimensions mentioned before.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a diagram of the sleeve 300, described in relations to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the invention. For the sake of brevity, the visible sides of the sleeve 300, in the diagram, are transparent for showing the hidden parts of the sleeve 300, where the hidden parts, of sleeve 300, are depicted in gray outlines whereas the visible parts, of sleeve 300, are depicted in black outlines. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 300 has, on two of its opposing sides, a pair of inner wings, such as wings 311-312, designed to correspond to the outer wings of the MS 100, such as wings 211-212, described in fig. 1, for example. In other embodiments, the sleeve 300 may have more than 2 wings, corresponding to the outer wings of the MS 100, such as 4 wings on all 4 sides. The wings 311-312 are preferably attached at their bottom side to the sides of sleeve 300 at an angle, for the flexible bending of the wings when the sleeve is dressed over the MS 100. In one embodiment, for each inner wing, such as inner wings 311-312, the angle between the wing and the side of the sleeve 300 is between 1-5 degrees with a bottom vertex. Each inner wing, such as inner wings 311-312, may have a length of 5 cm and a width of 5 cm, and a depth of 3 mm. According to an embodiment, each inner wing may have a length of between 5-7 cm. According to an embodiment, each inner wing may have a width of between 5-7 cm. According to an embodiment, each inner wing may have a depth of between 4-2 mm.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a diagram of the sleeve 300 dressed over the MS 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. For the sake of brevity, the visible sides of the sleeve 300, in the diagram, are transparent, where the hidden parts are depicted in gray outlines and the visible parts are depicted in black outlines. As described in relations to Figs. 1-3, the sleeve 300 is larger than the MS 100 and intended for dressing over the MS 100. According to an embodiment, when the sleeve 300 is dressed over the MS 100 the outer wings 211-212, of MS 100, bend inward toward the sides of MS 100, whereas the inner wings 311-312, of sleeve 300, bend outward toward the sides of sleeve 300. When the sleeve 300 falls down and covers the MS 100, after the wings have bended and are clear from each other, the wings flap back, effectively interlocking, holding and stabilizing the sleeve 300 in relations to the MS 100. In one embodiment, at this stage, cementitious paste, or other binding substances, may be poured into the sleeve 300 and over the MS 100 for interlocking the wings, 211-212 and 311-312, in order fasten the MS 100 and the sleeve 300 together.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a diagram of a cage of iron bars 400 dressed over the sleeve 300, according to an embodiment of the invention. The cage 400 may be dressed over the sleeve 300 as described in relations to Figs. 1-4, after which concrete may be poured over the cage 400 and the sleeve 300 in order fasten the cage 400 and the sleeve 300 together. Where the cage 400, and the fastening concrete around it, may be used as a column for supporting a second floor, floor slabs, and / or beams, trusses, and the like.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a diagram of a steel column 500 dressed over the sleeve 300, according to another embodiment of the invention. For the sake of brevity, the visible sides of the column 500, in the diagram, are transparent, where the hidden parts are depicted in gray outlines and the visible parts are depicted in black outlines. The column 500 may be dressed over the sleeve 300 as described in relations to figs. 1-4, after which a hardening substance, such as concrete, may be poured into the column 500 and onto the sleeve 300 in order to bind the column 500 and the sleeve 300 together. Where the column 500 may be used for supporting a second floor, floor slabs, and / or beams, trusses, and the like.

[0040] Concrete layered extrusion 3D printing involves a controlled printer head nozzle that extrudes a cementitious paste layer by layer over a strong concrete foundation base, according to a predefined plan. Layers are generally between 5mm and a few centimeters in thickness. However, during the printing of a typical structure there is a need to integrate columns within the printed walls. These columns are typically fastened to the foundation base and are needed for supporting floor slabs, beams, trusses, etc. Nevertheless, these columns, which need to be suspended to the base and integrated within the walls, may be 2.6 m tall for example, and can interfere with the movement of the printer head nozzle that may collide with them, while printing the walls. Thus, there is a need to integrate columns within the printed walls, without interference or collision between the columns and the printer head nozzle. Therefore, the system and method disclosed above, in relations to figs. 1-6, can be used to first partially print the walls, without the presence of the columns, after which the columns can be added and integrated within the 3D printed walls.

[0041] According to one embodiment, before the 3D concrete printing of the walls of a structure, metal plates, similar in size to the MS flange 110 described in relations to figs. 1-4, are suspended to the foundation base of the structure using attachment means, such as screws, chemical anchors, steel bars, etc., while using cementitious paste to flatten the base under the plate. These metal plates are placed and suspended to the foundation base in the places intended for the columns of the structure. Then the 3D printing of a structure may begin by printing the walls, layer by layer, until the walls reach the height of 15cm, where the intended spaces for the columns are left vacant for future insertion of the columns. At this stage the metal plates may be removed, according to an embodiment, and the MSs, such as MS 100, may be attached and suspended to the foundation base instead of the metal plates. In some embodiments, the metal plates are not removed, and the MSs, such as MS 100, may be attached and suspended to the foundation base on top of the metal plates. Next, according to an embodiment, the 3D printing of the walls may continue, layer by layer, until the height of 40 cm. According to another embodiment, the 3D printing of the walls may continue, layer by layer, until the height of 60 cm. According to yet another embodiment, the 3D printing of the walls may continue, layer by layer, until the height of 260 cm. According to yet another embodiment, the 3D printing of the walls may continue, layer by layer, until the height of the intended height of the ceiling of the structure. At this stage the sleeves, such as sleeve 300, may be dressed over the MSs and may be filled with cementitious paste. After the dressing of the sleeve, the 3D printing may continue as required.

[0042] In one embodiment, when the sleeve is the height of the intended height of the ceiling of the structure, the sleeve itself may be used as a column for further support of the structure. In this case the sleeve is dressed over the MS only after the walls have been printed to the intended height of the ceiling of structure. Thus, columns may be integrated within the walls of a structure, printed by a 3D concrete printer, while preventing any interference or collision between the print head nozzle and the columns.

[0043] In another embodiment, cages, such as cage 400, may be dressed over the sleeves, as described in relations to Figs. 5, and concrete may be poured over the cages and the sleeves in order fasten each cage and its sleeve together. Where the cage and its surrounding concrete may be used as a column for further support of the structure. Thus, columns may be integrated within the walls of a structure, printed by a 3D concrete printer, while preventing any interference or collision between the print head nozzle and the columns.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, columns, such as column 500, may be dressed over the sleeves as described in relations to Figs. 6, and concrete may be poured into the columns in order fasten the columns and the sleeves together. Where the columns may be used for supporting a second floor and / or floor slabs, beams, trusses, etc. Thus, metal columns may be integrated within the walls of a structure, printed by a 3D concrete printer, while preventing any interference or collision between the print head nozzle and the columns.

[0045] After building the first floor of a structure, as described above, the proposed system and method can be used again for building the second floor, where an MS may be suspended to the second-floor of the structure. The proposed system may be used for further floors as well.

[0046] In another embodiment, the invention may be used for underwater construction purposes. Since columns are needed for underwater construction, such as the constructions of bridges, and since underwater welding is problematic, the proposed invention may be used by creating the desired concrete formation on land with the MSs, such as MS 100, as described above in relations to fig. 1-6. The concrete formation and the MSs may then be transferred and sunk on the sea / river bed in the appropriate area intended for the underwater construction. After sinking and placing the structure, sleeves may be dressed over the MSs. Then, special concrete may be poured into the sleeves in order fasten the sleeves and the MSs together. Next, the columns may be dressed over the sleeves where special concrete may then be poured into the column and onto the sleeve in order fasten the column and the sleeve together. In another embodiment, the concrete formation may be created on land without attaching the MSs. Then the formation may be transferred and sunk on the sea / river bed in the appropriate area where the MSs may then be added underwater to the construction after the sinking and placing of the structure on the sea / river bed in the appropriate area. After adding the MSs, sleeves may be dressed over the MSs. Then, special concrete may be poured into the sleeves in order fasten the sleeves and the MSs together. Next, the columns may be dressed over the sleeves where special concrete may then be poured into the column and onto the sleeve in order fasten the column and the sleeve together.

[0047] Fig. 7 is a diagram of a prefabricated wall 600 with an inner sleeve 300 for dressing over the MS 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. For the sake of brevity, the visible sides of the wall 600 and the sleeve 300, in the diagram, are transparent, where the hidden parts are depicted in gray outlines, and the visible parts are depicted in black outlines. When the prefabricated wall is created, such as wall 600, at least one sleeve, such as sleeve 300, may be integrated within the prefabricated wall 600 at its bottom side. As described in relations to figs. 1-4, at least one MS, such as the MS 100, may be attached and suspended to the foundation base. Next, the wall 600 may then be hoisted and lowered onto the foundation where the sleeve 300 is dressed over the MS 100 and thus the MS 100 interlocks, holds and stabilizes the sleeve 300, and the wall 600. In some embodiments at least 2, or more, sleeves are integrated within a single wall for dressing over at least 2, or more, MSs. In some embodiments, the MS is attached sideways to the wall and the sleeve is dressed sideways on the MS. In some embodiments, the MS 100 does not have a flange and the MS is attached to the metal grid of the wall.

[0048] While the above description discloses many embodiments and specifications of the invention, these were described by way of illustration and should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention. The described invention may be carried into practice with many modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1. A system for rapid anchoring between elements during the building of a structure comprising: a mini-sleeve (MS) comprising at least a pair of bendable outer wings, where each of said outer wings is attached, at its top side, to a side of said MS at a protruding angle; and a sleeve, larger than said MS, comprising at least a pair of bendable inner wings, where each of said inner wings is attached at its bottom side to a side of said sleeve at an angle, and where said inner wings correspond to said outer wings of said MS; wherein said sleeve is anchored and stabilized, by said outer wings of said MS and said inner wings of said sleeve, when said sleeve is dressed over said MS.

2. The system according to claim 1, where the MS also comprises a head in the shape of a rectangular pyramid.

3. The system according to claim 1, where the MS also comprises a flange, connected to the bottom of said MS.

4. The system according to claim 1, where the MS is made of galvanized steel.

5. The system according to claim 1, where each of the bendable outer wings, of the MS, has a length of between 5-7 cm, a width of between 5- 7 cm, and a depth of between 2-4 mm.

6. The system according to claim 1, where each of the bendable inner wings, of the sleeve, has a length of between 5-7 cm and a width of between 5-7 cm, and a depth of between 4-2 mm.

7. A method for rapid anchoring between elements during the building of a structure comprising: providing a mini-sleeve (MS) comprising at least a pair of bendable outer wings, where each of said outer wings is attached, at its top side, to a side of said MS at a protruding angle; providing a sleeve, larger than said MS, comprising at least a pair of bendable inner wings, where each of said inner wing is attached at its bottom side to a side of said sleeve at an angle, and where said inner wings correspond to said outer wings of said MS; and dressing said sleeve over said MS, for anchoring and stabilizing said sleeve in place over said MS.

8. The method according to claim 7, where cementitious paste, is poured into the sleeve and over the MS for interlocking the outer wings and the inner wings, in order fasten said MS and said sleeve together.

9. The method according to claim 7, where a cage is dressed over the sleeve and concrete is poured over said cage and over said sleeve in order fasten the cage and the sleeve together.

10. The method according to claim 7, where a metal column is dressed over the sleeve and a hardening substance is poured into the column in order fasten the column and the sleeve together.

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