Concrete Barrier Connection Device with Ball Joint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current road barriers made of concrete face issues with connection stability, labor-intensive assembly, corrosion, and failure to meet safety standards due to inadequate resistance to frost and de-icing chemicals, leading to structural weaknesses and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a ball joint connection system with anchor and cover casings, a connecting anchor pin, and a two-piece connecting head, allowing for angular rotation and easy assembly/disassembly, combined with a special concrete formula incorporating amorphous silica and reinforcing fibers for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional connection methods (plates, bolts, nuts, reinforcing rods) are used to connect concrete barrier parts, then the connection provides structural stability, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate modular components including a first part with anchor and cover casing, a second part with connecting head, and a connecting anchor pin. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled, enabling quick connection without complex fastening operations while maintaining structural stability through the anchored configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor and cover casing are pre-installed into recesses in the barrier parts during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site drilling and anchoring operations, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring proper positioning and structural integrity of the connection points.
2Reliability
If conventional concrete with aeration is used in road barriers, then the concrete provides basic durability, but it shows high sensitivity to frost and de-icing chemical agents, leading to structural degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining concrete with specialized connection elements (metal anchor casings, connecting pins, and heads). This composite approach creates a hybrid structure where the concrete provides compressive strength and the metal components provide corrosion-resistant anchoring, collectively enhancing resistance to frost and chemical degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical and physical parameters of the concrete connection system by using stainless steel or coated metal components for the anchor mechanism. This parameter change in material composition provides resistance to corrosion from de-icing chemicals and frost, addressing the vulnerability of conventional concrete to these environmental factors.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional connection devices are used in road barriers, then the connection provides structural support, but corrosion and dirt accumulation prevent dismantling of the connection points over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting anchor pin is designed as a separate, extractable component that can be removed from the anchor and cover casing. This extraction capability allows the connection to be dismantled and reconfigured without permanent fixation, enabling maintenance and repair operations while maintaining connection strength during normal service.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the connecting anchor pin to be inserted and removed. This dynamic design enables the connection to transition between locked (for structural support) and unlocked (for dismantling) states, providing both connection strength and ease of repair throughout the service life of the barrier.
4Strength
If standard connection methods are used for road barrier parts, then the connection achieves basic structural integrity, but the joints cannot accommodate angular rotation, limiting adaptability to curved routes
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting head incorporates a spherical or rounded geometry that enables angular rotation within the connection joint. This spheroidal design allows the barrier parts to be assembled at various angles while maintaining structural integrity through the anchored connection, providing adaptability to curved routes and varying terrain conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
In the present invention, there is disclosed a device for mutually connecting two parts (8) of road barrier of mass material, especially mass concrete wherein the device is disposed in an upper recess (1) being performed on a front connecting end of each barrier part (8). The device comprises an anchor and cover casings (3) that are arranged in mirror like manner on each side and that is fixedly anchored at their inner end in the barrier part (8) by means of an anchoring element (4) wherein the casings are provided at their outer ends with an opening with an internal thread. The device further comprises: an anchor plate (2) being attached to the anchor and cover casing (3) and bearing against inner wall of the recess (1) in the barrier part (8); a connecting anchor pin (5) being attached by means of a threaded connection to the casing (3) and being provided on one side with an internal thread and on the other side with a round head (9) with a central opening for a tool; a thread end half of two-part connecting head (6) having its inner surface provided with a recess of half-round shape corresponding to the outer shape of the round head (9), wherein the connecting head (6) half is passed over the corresponding round head (9) for mutual connection by means of the thread. There is also disclosed a method of connecting the two parts (8) of road barrier with each other.