Claw Profile Connection Element for Sheet Pile Wall Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection elements for sheet pile wall components with ball-and-socket locks lack flexibility in connecting components at various angles and orientations, limiting their application in constructing sheet pile walls.
Innovation Solution
The connection element features a claw profile with an additional head strip at its free end, allowing it to engage both head strips and claw-shaped locks, providing increased flexibility by enabling the connection of sheet pile wall components at different angles and orientations, and is manufactured as a one-piece extrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connection element with a single head strip is used, then the structure is simple, but it can only engage one type of lock (head strip or claw-shaped lock)
Solution Approach 1:
The claw profile is designed with an additional head strip at the free end of one hook strip, enabling it to perform multiple functions: engaging both head strips and claw-shaped locks. This multi-functional design allows a single connection element to connect sheet pile wall components with different lock types, eliminating the need for separate connection elements for different engagement scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The claw profile is divided into functional segments: the center strip, two hook strips forming a claw-shaped lock chamber, and an additional head strip at the free end of one hook strip. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function while collectively providing versatile engagement capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection elements are designed for specific lock types, then the engagement is secure, but the flexibility in arranging sheet pile wall components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element's claw profile with the additional head strip provides universal engagement capability, securing both head strip locks and claw-shaped locks. This ensures reliable connection while providing flexibility in arranging sheet pile wall components at different angles and orientations without compromising engagement security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of connection elements are used for different lock types, then the engagement specificity is high, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple connection elements (designed for different lock types) into a single connection element. The claw profile with the additional head strip combines the capabilities of engaging both head strips and claw-shaped locks, reducing the variety of connection elements needed and simplifying inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A single connection element design serves multiple lock types, eliminating the need to maintain separate connection element inventories for different lock types. This universal design simplifies procurement, storage, and installation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection element (10), having a constant cross-section for sheet pile wall components such as sheet piles, features a claw profile (12) for engaging a head strip (44) of a sheet pile wall component (42). The claw profile (12) exhibits a claw-shaped lock (22) formed by two hook strips (18, 20) as well as an attachment profile (14) for engaging in a claw-shaped lock (46) of a sheet pile wall component (42). The attachment profile (14) exhibits a straight neck strip (32) and a head strip (34) of a greater cross-section at its free end. An additional head strip (38) for securing a claw-shaped lock (46) of a sheet pile wall component (42) is formed at the free end section (28) of at least one of the hook strips (20) of the claw profile (12).