Adjustable Pile Connection System for Structural Members

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of connecting a pile to a structural member, such as an I-beam, in elevated pipelines is imprecise and time-consuming due to the need for precise welding, requiring significant effort, expertise, and expense.

Innovation Solution

A connecting system comprising a core portion, a first interface portion, and a second interface portion, allowing adjustment and securement of the pile's position relative to the structural member, enabling precise alignment and secure attachment without the need for precise pile modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional welding methods are used to connect the pile cap to the pile, then the structural connection is achieved, but the process requires significant time, effort, expertise, and expense due to the imprecise nature of pile driving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidwelding time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting system introduces an intermediary component between the pile and the structural member that absorbs the misalignment caused by imprecise pile driving. This mediator includes adjustment mechanisms such as threaded rods, nuts, and shims that enable precise positioning of the structural member without requiring precise welding, thereby reducing welding time and expertise while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting system is divided into separate functional components: a pile cap portion, a structural member interface portion, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled with standard welding procedures, reducing the overall welding requirements while achieving precise final alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional welding methods are used to connect the pile cap to the pile, then the structural connection is achieved, but significant effort and expertise are required due to the imprecise nature of pile driving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidwelding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting system introduces an intermediary component between the pile and the structural member that absorbs the misalignment caused by imprecise pile driving. This mediator includes adjustment mechanisms such as threaded rods, nuts, and shims that enable precise positioning of the structural member without requiring precise welding, thereby reducing welding time and expertise while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting system incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the connection geometry to be modified after assembly. Threaded rods and nuts enable the structural member to be positioned at various angles and distances from the pile, transforming a static welding-dependent connection into a dynamic, adjustable connection that is easier to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If precise welding is required to support the structural member in the correct orientation, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting system introduces an intermediary component between the pile and the structural member that absorbs the misalignment caused by imprecise pile driving. This mediator includes adjustment mechanisms such as threaded rods, nuts, and shims that enable precise positioning of the structural member without requiring precise welding, thereby reducing welding time and expertise while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting system allows the structural member to be preliminarily positioned and oriented using mechanical adjustment mechanisms before final securing. This preliminary positioning can be done quickly without welding, and only minimal welding is required to lock the pre-positioned member in place, significantly improving installation speed while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10760602B2Systems and methods for connecting a structural member to a pile

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 AMERICAN PILEDRIVING EQUIPMENT INC

AI summary

A connecting system for connecting a pile to a structural member has a core portion, a first interface portion, and a second interface portion. The core portion defines a system axis. The first interface portion defines a reference plane and is adapted to be connected to the core portion and the structural member. The second interface portion is adapted to be connected to the core portion and the pile. The second interface portion fixes a position of the system axis relative to the pile. The core portion allows adjustment of a position of the reference plane relative to the system axis.