Collated Rebar Clip Assembly for Faster Grid Binding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for binding rebar together are costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, requiring manual handling of short steel wires to tie rebars in a grid pattern, which limits efficiency and increases unproductive time due to frequent reloading of tools.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly comprising a large plurality of rebar clips coiled on a flexible carrier, with transverse channels and grooves for efficient separation and application, allowing for quick and cost-effective binding of rebars using a manually or pneumatically operated tool, where each clip is formed as a single, integral plastic unitary body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wire tying is used to bind rebar together, then the rebar can be securely fastened, but the operation becomes costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable plastic rebar clips instead of reusable wire and tools. Each clip is a single-use component that is quickly applied and then discarded, eliminating the need for expensive, time-consuming manual wire tying operations while maintaining secure rebar binding
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the binding function from the complex manual wire-tying process and consolidates it into a simple clip application. The clip design separates the binding action from the need for twisting, cutting, and securing wires, allowing for rapid deployment by workers or automated systems
2Reliability
If short strips of molded plastic clips are used, then the clips can bind rebar effectively, but there is large unproductive time spent reloading the installation tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple short strips of clips into one continuous long strip, allowing the installation tool to be loaded with a large quantity of clips at once. This eliminates frequent reloading operations and the associated unproductive time while maintaining effective rebar binding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are pre-arranged in a continuous strip configuration that can be loaded into the installation tool in advance. This preliminary arrangement allows workers to apply clips continuously without stopping to reload, significantly reducing tool reloading time and increasing overall productivity
3Quantity of substance
If a large plurality of clips are provided in short strips, then enough clips are available for extensive rebar binding, but the frequent reloading of tools creates unproductive time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple short strips into one continuous long strip containing a large plurality of clips. This merging allows the installation tool to hold and dispense clips continuously over an extended period, providing ample quantity of clips while eliminating the need for frequent reloading operations
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly made up of separate clips for binding rebars together are serially connected by a carrier to form a series of clips that are separable when applied to the rebars. Each clip comprises a body having a first channel holding a first rebar and a second channel holding a second rebar underlying and transverse to the first rebar. Each channel has a bottom gap allowing a rebar to be positioned in its respective channel. The first rebar is held within the first channel by the second rebar, and the second rebar is held within the second channel by the clip body. Each clip may include at least one groove for attachment of the carrier. The rebar clips may be integrally formed from plastic or other suitable material. The carrier is flexible and severable allowing the clip string to be coiled and individual clips separated from the string.