Multi-axially Braided Sleeve for Concrete Columns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional concrete column construction methods are costly, labor-intensive, and prone to structural failure during earthquakes due to low tensile strength and the use of rebar, which can cause damage and collapse when subjected to alternating compression and tension.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve is used to provide tensile axial support and earthquake resistance, eliminating the need for rebar and formwork, thereby reducing construction costs and time, and enhancing safety by simplifying the construction process and preventing formwork-related accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rebar rods are used to improve tensile strength, then the concrete column's tensile strength is improved, but the construction cost and complexity increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the rebar rods from the concrete column structure, replacing them with a multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve that provides tensile strength through its braided configuration rather than through discrete reinforcement bars

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining concrete aggregate with a multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve, where the braided material (potentially fiber-reinforced polymer or similar composite) provides tensile strength while the concrete provides compressive strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rebar and formwork are used in conventional construction, then structural support is achieved, but construction time and labor costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve is prepared in advance as a pre-fabricated component, eliminating the need for on-site rebar installation and formwork assembly, thereby reducing construction time while maintaining structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible braided sleeve structure that can be easily positioned and secured around the concrete aggregate, replacing rigid formwork systems and reducing the time and labor required for formwork installation and removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If rebar is used for reinforcement, then tensile strength is improved, but earthquake resistance deteriorates due to pulverization and structural failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidearthquake resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system where the multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve (potentially made of fiber-reinforced polymer or other earthquake-resistant composite material) replaces traditional rebar, providing tensile strength while resisting pulverization and structural failure during earthquakes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters from metallic rebar to a braided composite material with different mechanical properties that are more resistant to earthquake-induced stresses, particularly pulverization and alternating compression-tension cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If conventional formwork is used, then concrete containment is achieved, but safety hazards increase due to formwork-related accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcrete containmentVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible braided reinforcement sleeve that contains the concrete aggregate, replacing traditional rigid formwork systems. This flexible sleeve eliminates the safety hazards associated with formwork collapse, improper installation, and removal accidents while maintaining effective concrete containment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11408176B2Multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve for concrete columns and method for constructing concrete columns

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 LOW RAYMOND ALAN

AI summary

A multi-axially braided reinforcement sleeve that provides a low cost, simpler method to form strong concrete columns for constructing buildings and other structures. The braided reinforcement sleeve provides structural support and the rebar normally embedded to provide structural support in concrete can be eliminated, preventing the possibility of rebar oxidation which might otherwise undermine the structural integrity of the column. The reinforcement sleeve is lightweight, easy to transport, and can be greatly reduced in size to facilitate transportation. The reinforcement sleeve and construction method can be utilized in many implementations, and can be particularly useful for constructing buildings or other structures in geographic areas that are subject to earthquakes and where low cost is important.