Composite-Reinforced Concrete Assembly for Stress-Resistant Covers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manhole covers and structural elements made of metallic materials face high manufacturing costs and require improved resistance to operating stress.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising a reinforced body made of concrete or alkali-activated material with composite fibre-resin tape windings around tabs to enhance structural integrity, using glass, carbon, or basalt fibres for increased durability and resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic materials are used for manhole covers and structural elements, then strength and resistance to operating stress are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to operating stressVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining concrete (body material) with fibre-resin tape windings (reinforcement). This composite structure provides metallic-level strength and stress resistance while significantly reducing manufacturing costs, as concrete and fibre-resin composites are cheaper than solid metal while maintaining structural integrity under operating loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the fibre-resin tape windings specifically at critical stress zones - around the tabs and at the bottom surface of the slab where bending moments are highest. This localized reinforcement provides optimal strength where needed most without unnecessarily increasing costs across the entire structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If metallic materials are used for structural elements, then durability is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fibre-resin tape windings create a composite material system that combines the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of fibre-resin composites. This composite structure achieves durability comparable to metallic materials while using lower-cost materials, providing long-term reliability without the high manufacturing costs of solid metal elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses concrete, which is a relatively inexpensive material compared to metals. While concrete can be susceptible to degradation over time, the fibre-resin reinforcement significantly enhances its durability, creating a cost-effective solution that achieves adequate service life without the premium cost of metallic materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If concrete or alkali-activated material is used instead of metal, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but resistance to operating stress may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costsVSAvoidresistance to operating stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms concrete from a weak monolithic material into a high-performance composite by embedding fibre-resin tape windings. The concrete body provides compressive strength and cost-effectiveness, while the fibre-resin windings provide tensile strength and crack resistance, together achieving metal-level stress resistance at lower manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement is segmented into discrete fibre-resin tape windings wrapped around specific tabs and zones. This segmentation allows the reinforcement to be applied precisely where stress concentrations occur, maximizing the efficiency of the fibre-resin material and ensuring adequate stress resistance throughout the concrete structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The assembly achieves reduced manufacturing costs while providing excellent resistance to operating stress, comparable to metallic solutions, through the use of composite fibre-resin tape windings.

Implementation Method 1

The assembly (1) comprises a body (2) and at least a first winding (5) of tape having an extension around the body (2) so as to connect the tabs (4). The tape is made of composite fibre-resin material.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentUS20260022530A1Assembly

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 FSC TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Assembly (1), comprising a body (2) in turn comprising a surface (3) to be structurally reinforced and at least two tabs (4) having an extension each between a first and a second end (4a, 4b) along a line thereof away from the surface (3). The first end (4a) of the tab (4) is connected to the surface (3).The assembly 1 comprises at least a first winding (5) of tape made of composite material having an extension around the body (2) so as to connect the two tabs (4).