Angled Panel Retainer System for Multi-Sided Structure Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing and restoring multi-sided structures, such as pilasters and columns, face challenges due to structural degradation, limited access, and environmental damage, requiring efficient and time-effective solutions that can enhance structural integrity and protect against corrosion and chemical exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a retainer system with braces and panels that allow for the introduction of curable material to create a repair structure, where panels are mounted non-parallel to the surface, providing a space for the material to cure and forming a reinforced repair structure, even in areas with limited access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional repair methods are used on multi-sided structures, then the repair process can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring multiple workers and extensive access
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system is segmented into modular components including panels, braces, and retainers that can be independently assembled and positioned. Each panel can be separately installed on different faces of the multi-sided structure, allowing parallel work by multiple teams and eliminating the need for sequential repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair approach transitions from two-dimensional surface repair to three-dimensional enclosure by surrounding the damaged structure with panels and braces. This creates a confined repair space that allows material placement and curing from multiple directions simultaneously, dramatically reducing repair time.
2Ease of manufacture
If panels are mounted parallel to the structure surface, then installation is simpler, but insufficient space is provided for curable material placement and curing
Solution Approach 1:
Panels are oriented at angles non-parallel to the structure surface, creating three-dimensional spatial relationships that maximize the volume available for curable material. This angular arrangement transforms the repair space from a thin layer to a volumetric cavity suitable for substantial material placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The curable material is nested within the three-dimensional space formed by the angled panels and braces. The panels create a container-like structure that encloses and protects the material during curing, providing both the necessary volume and a controlled environment for proper material setting.
3Reliability
If multiple workers are deployed for traditional repair, then comprehensive repair coverage is achieved, but access requirements increase and safety risks are elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system divides the structure into manageable sections with panels targeted at specific damaged areas. This segmentation allows focused repair operations on individual panels rather than requiring simultaneous access to entire structures, reducing the number of workers needed while maintaining comprehensive repair coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel-brace-retainer system acts as an intermediary framework that provides stable access platforms and material containment structures. This framework enables workers to perform repair operations from protected positions rather than requiring direct exposure to hazardous conditions, reducing safety risks while maintaining repair effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If extensive access is provided for traditional repair operations, then complete repair access is achieved, but structural stability during repair is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retainers and braces are installed first to create a stable framework before any repair materials are placed or workers access the structure. This preliminary structural reinforcement provides the stability needed to support subsequent repair operations without compromising the original structure's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel-brace system serves as an intermediary structure that provides worker access platforms without requiring direct attachment to or disruption of the damaged structure. Workers access the repair space through the framework rather than needing to attach equipment directly to the compromised structure, maintaining stability while enabling complete access.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for repairing a multi-sided structure protruding from a first surface. The method comprises mounting a retainer to the first surface, coupling a first brace connector component of a first brace to a first panel, coupling the first panel to a primary retainer connector component of the retainer, coupling a second brace connector component of the first brace to a secondary retainer connector component of the retainer, and introducing a curable material into the space between the first panel and the multi-sided structure, the first panel acting as at least a portion of a framework for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the first panel.