Adjustable Strand Threading and Lubrication for Box Girder Ducts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for threading plastic pipes and steel strands in prefabricated concrete box girders are inefficient, requiring manual operation and leading to issues such as pipe welding and scratching, which reduces efficiency and increases the risk of damage.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable strand threading and lubricating device with spline shafts, rubber rollers, and lubricating units that allow for simultaneous threading and lubrication of plastic pipes and steel strands, featuring adjustable positions for different diameters and positions, and automated bundling and lubrication processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual threading of plastic pipes and steel strands is performed, then workers can operate flexibly, but the threading efficiency is low and plastic pipes are easily welded fixedly in the corrugated pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreading efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of pipe welding

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service threading where the mechanical system automatically feeds and threads plastic pipes and steel strands through the corrugated pipes without requiring manual intervention for each individual component, thereby improving efficiency and consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical threading operations are replaced with an automated mechanical threading device that uses motors, transmission mechanisms, and threading components to automatically insert and position plastic pipes and steel strands, eliminating the inefficiencies of manual labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If steel strands are threaded one by one, then precise positioning is achieved, but the threading efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreading efficiencyVSAvoidthreading process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple threading operations into a single integrated system that can handle multiple steel strands simultaneously or in rapid succession, combining feeding, positioning, and threading functions into one coordinated mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The threading device is designed with universal functionality to handle both plastic pipes and steel strands using the same basic mechanism, allowing it to perform multiple threading tasks with a single device rather than requiring separate tools for each component type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the inside of corrugated pipes is not lubricated, then the structure remains simple, but the steel strands are easy to scratch and threading is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreading easeVSAvoidpipe scratching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A lubricating agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the threading device and the corrugated pipes/steel strands, facilitating smoother threading operations and reducing direct friction that causes scratching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricating unit applies lubrication to the corrugated pipes or steel strands before the threading operation begins, preparing the surface in advance to reduce friction and prevent scratching during the subsequent threading process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances efficiency by allowing batch threading of plastic pipes and steel strands, reduces damage, and ensures smooth transportation by lubrication, improving overall construction speed and quality.

Implementation Method 1

a lubricating unit is arranged on a front side of the strand threading units

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

first rubber rollers are rotatably installed between two bearings, the first spline shafts pass respectively through the second openings to stretch into the first box body, the first rubber rollers respectively slidably sleeve the first spline shafts, first spline grooves matched with the first spline shafts are formed in the first rubber rollers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12428257B2Adjustable strand threading and lubricating device for prefabricated box girders

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 YANTAI UNIV

AI summary

An adjustable strand threading and lubricating device for prefabricated box girders includes an underframe. Multiple first spline shafts are rotatably installed between left and right side walls of the strand threading boxes. The first openings are respectively located above the first spline shafts, first sliding blocks are respectively provided and configured to slide up and down in the first openings, multiple second spline shafts is rotatably installed between two first sliding blocks, and axes of the second spline shafts are parallel to the first spline shafts. The first spline shafts and the second spline shafts are slidably provided with multiple strand threading units for threading steel strands, a lubricating unit is arranged on a front side of the strand threading units, and a bundling unit is arranged on a rear side of the strand threading units.