Concrete Anchor Coupler Sealing Against Slurry Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete anchor systems face challenges in preventing concrete slurry from entering threaded bores during the concrete pouring process, which can lead to contamination and improper anchoring.
Innovation Solution
The concrete coupling assembly features a base holder with a central opening and a coupler having threaded bores, where the coupler's end is beveled or sealed with a cap or deformable skirt to prevent concrete entry, and a stop member is used to prevent the coupler from extending beyond the opening, ensuring secure attachment and anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupler is left open during concrete pouring, then the threaded bores are accessible for rod insertion, but concrete slurry enters the threaded bores causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A cap is placed over the threaded bores before concrete pouring to prevent slurry entry. The cap is temporarily installed in advance, protects the bores during the harmful concrete pouring process, and is removed afterward to enable rod insertion. This preliminary protective action resolves the contradiction by preventing contamination while maintaining eventual accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves as an intermediary element between the threaded bores and the concrete slurry. It physically blocks the slurry from contacting the bores during pouring, allowing the bores to remain accessible (through the cap) while protecting them from contamination. The intermediary is removed after serving its protective function.
2Ease of operation
If the coupler extends beyond the central opening, then rod insertion is facilitated, but the coupler becomes unstable and misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with differentiated zones: a portion extending beyond the central opening to facilitate rod insertion and manipulation, and a portion embedded within the concrete to provide stability and anchoring. This local quality differentiation allows the same component to serve both operational accessibility and structural stability functions simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing means (cap or skirt) are added to prevent slurry entry, then contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the base holder structure itself. The deformable skirt is integrated as part of the base holder, forming a unified component that both supports the coupler and seals against slurry entry. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable skirt provides self-sealing functionality through its material properties. When concrete slurry contacts the skirt, the material deforms to create a seal, automatically preventing contamination without requiring additional active sealing mechanisms. The base holder with integrated skirt serves its own sealing needs, reducing system complexity.
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
This solution effectively prevents concrete slurry from entering the threaded bores, ensuring reliable anchoring and stability by forming a seal with the formboard, allowing for proper installation and load distribution after concrete curing.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable, crushable or pliable skirt around the bottom of the central opening so as to form a seal on the formboard when the base holder is attached to the formboard. The arm portions have foot or ridge portions underneath that elevate the arm portions above the formboard. The height of the skirt is taller than the height of the ridge portions so that when the ridge portions are pressed down to the formboard with securing hardware the skirt is deformed to form a seal with the formboard.
Data Source
AI summary
Concrete coupling assembly comprises a base holder for being attached to a concrete forming surface, the base holder including a central opening; a coupler having one end disposed within the central opening, the coupler having an axis for being positioned substantially transverse to the forming surface, the coupler having first and second threaded bores through the one end for attachment of a threaded rod; and a separate anchor body threadedly attached to another end of the coupler.