Reinforcement Bar Coupler with Alignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning and joining reinforced concrete elements, such as columns and structural steel components, face challenges with misalignment tolerance, leading to inefficiencies and increased material waste, particularly when dealing with multiple bars or clusters, and require labor-intensive alignment processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising threaded studs, tubular members, and an adjusting nut system that allows for misalignment tolerance by sliding the second tubular member over the second stud, with washers and lock nuts for secure alignment and locking, enabling accurate alignment and joining of concrete or steel elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical connectors with threaded bars are used to join reinforcement bars, then connection strength is improved, but alignment precision requirement increases and operation complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary component between opposing reinforcement bars. This coupling device includes a first coupling member that connects to one bar and a second coupling member that connects to the opposing bar, with a connection portion that allows relative movement. This intermediary mechanism enables strong mechanical connection while accommodating misalignment between bars.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through the connection portion that permits relative movement between the first and second coupling members. This dynamic feature allows the system to adapt to varying alignment conditions during installation, maintaining connection strength without requiring precise static alignment.
2Ease of operation
If lapping method is used to connect reinforcement bars, then operation complexity is reduced, but material waste increases and element volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement bar connection system is segmented into separate components: the reinforcement bars themselves and the distinct coupling device. This segmentation allows the bars to be connected without overlapping, eliminating the need for extended lap lengths and reducing material waste while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary that replaces the traditional lapping method. Instead of overlapping bars, the coupling device mechanically connects the ends of bars, achieving the same load transfer function with reduced material consumption and smaller element dimensions.
3Reliability
If multiple bars are aligned and connected individually, then connection reliability is improved, but labor intensity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated component. When connecting multiple reinforcement bars, the coupling device can accommodate and connect several bars simultaneously or in sequence without requiring separate alignment and connection operations for each bar, thereby maintaining connection reliability while significantly reducing labor intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the coupling device allows for quick adaptation when connecting multiple bars with varying positions. This reduces the time and effort required for each connection while maintaining reliable mechanical coupling, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing connection reliability.
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
The apparatus effectively aligns and joins reinforcement bars with tolerance for misalignment, reducing labor and material waste, and securely locks the elements in place, facilitating efficient construction processes.
Implementation Method 1
The friction between the adjusting nut and the reinforcement bars prevents slippage whilst aligning the reinforcement bars
Implementation Method 2
a first tubular member fixedly attached to the first stud, by a threaded inner wall, the threads of the threaded inner wall engaged with the threads of the first stud to allow turning of the first tubular member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An apparatus for aligning and joining construction elements comprising threaded studs or bars protruding from opposing elements; interlocking members adapted to screw together associated with each of the opposed studs; an adjustment nut screwable on one of the studs wherein, the adjustment nut is screw jacked against one of the interlocking members to align the elements and then locked and encapsulated by screwing together the interlocking members. There can be additional stud or bar alignment means associated with the apparatus.