Anchoring Assembly with Segmented Protective Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring systems for structural cables lack optimization in protective material distribution, leading to potential corrosion and voids in anchoring regions, which can compromise the longevity and performance of the cables.
Innovation Solution
The anchoring system employs multiple chambers within the anchor block, each filled with different protective materials, such as wax, grease, polymer, or resin, to optimize corrosion protection and fatigue behavior, ensuring complete filling and easy inspection, with separate injection phases for channels and chambers to prevent voids and enhance material properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single protective material is used to fill all chambers and channels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the corrosion protection and fatigue behavior are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different protective materials in different regions of the anchoring system. Specifically, the first chamber contains a first protective material while the second chamber contains a second protective material, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific functional requirements regarding corrosion protection and fatigue behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is segmented into multiple chambers (first chamber and second chamber), each capable of containing different protective materials. This segmentation allows independent selection and injection of appropriate materials into each chamber, resolving the contradiction between reliability optimization and device complexity.
2Reliability
If protective material is injected under pressure to ensure complete filling, then voids are minimized, but the risk of remaining voids that could initiate corrosion remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by providing communication channels between chambers and injection paths that are designed in advance to guide the protective material flow. The system includes pre-configured injection mechanisms that ensure complete filling of all chambers and channels, preventing void formation before corrosion can initiate.
Solution Approach 2:
Communication channels act as intermediaries that facilitate the flow of protective material between chambers and ensure complete coverage. These channels are designed to eliminate dead zones and air pockets, mediating the distribution of protective material to prevent corrosion-prone voids.
3Strength
If the plastic sheath is removed in the anchoring region to firmly hold the tendon, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the tendon becomes exposed to corrosive agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing multiple chambers filled with protective materials that surround and protect the exposed tendon portions in the anchoring region. The first chamber and second chamber both contain protective materials that cushion the tendon from corrosive agents, compensating for the removal of the plastic sheath.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system uses composite protective materials in different chambers - the first protective material in the first chamber and the second protective material in the second chamber - to provide comprehensive corrosion protection for the exposed tendon portions, combining the benefits of different material properties.
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 approach ensures comprehensive protection of tendons by using materials tailored to specific regions, reducing corrosion risks and enhancing the structural integrity and maintenance accessibility of the anchoring system.
Implementation Method 1
the volume containing the exposed portions of the tendons is filled with a protective material injected under pressure into the anchoring region
Implementation Method 2
The wax is in a solid state at room temperature and becomes liquid when heated. It can thus form a reversible filling, which is useful for allowing inspection of the anchorage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The anchoring device for a cable made of plurality of tendons (10) comprises an anchor block (15) having a front side, a rear side and channels extending between the front and rear sides, each tendon of the cable being received in a respective channel with a blocking member. It also comprises a first protective material (100) with which at least some of the channels of the anchor block are filled, a chamber (30, 31 ) containing portions of the plurality of tendons of the cable, located on at least one of the front and rear sides of the anchor block, and a second protective material (200, 300), different from the first protective material, with which the chamber is filled.