Composite Pile Connector with Nested Impact Transfer Disc

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite pile connectors are prone to damage and instability when driven into the ground, leading to labor-intensive removal and potential disconnection of pile sections, and do not provide adequate support, resulting in angulation and breakage of pile sections.

Innovation Solution

A novel composite pile system featuring interconnectable rigid hollow tubes with a tapered boring head and impact transfer disc connector, which allows for easy assembly, repair, and transportation, and includes a force transmitting member with a rigid disc and connecting plate for secure engagement, preventing buckling and disengagement during impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If exterior collar connectors are used to splice pile sections, then the pile sections can be connected together, but the collar becomes damaged as it is driven into the ground and the pile sections can angulate from one another

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidstability of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is nested within the hollow tube structure, with the impact transfer disc positioned inside the tube and the connecting plates extending into the opposing tube ends. This nested configuration protects the connector from external damage while maintaining connection integrity during driving operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is pre-assembled with the impact transfer disc and connecting plates before the pile sections are driven into the ground. The protrusions are pre-formed on the connecting plates to ensure proper positioning, eliminating the need for field adjustment and preventing angulation during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If connectors with protrusions are used to position hollow tubes, then proper positioning is achieved, but the connector becomes unstable under impact blows and damages the tube ends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidresistance to impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector combines multiple materials and structural elements: rigid impact transfer disc for impact resistance, flexible connecting plates for positioning, and protective housing for overall structural integrity. This composite approach allows each component to excel at its specific function while working together to resist impact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The impact transfer disc acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes impact forces before they reach the tube ends. The disc is positioned to receive impact blows first, protecting the vulnerable tube ends from damage while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If pile sections are driven into soil at specific locations, then foundation support is provided, but labor-intensive removal is required if the pile needs to be relocated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation supportVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pile system is divided into separable segments (pile sections) connected by removable connectors. This segmentation allows the pile to be driven to provide foundation support while maintaining the ability to disassemble and relocate individual sections or the entire pile structure as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector components can be discarded or recovered based on the application needs. The hollow tubes can be removed and reused at different locations, while the connectors may be discarded or recovered depending on their condition and the specific project requirements, reducing overall labor and material costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 solution enhances the stability and support of composite piles by maintaining alignment and transferring forces uniformly, reducing the risk of damage and disconnection, and facilitating easier installation and repair, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of pile driving and support structures.

Implementation Method 1

driven into the soil by impact blows on a head member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

force transmitting member is removably connectable to a top end of an uppermost one of the rigid hollow tubes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce transmission: Force

Data Source

PatentUS10125466B2Composite pile formed of interconnected rigid hollow tubes

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 DESANTIS BROOKE ERIN

AI summary

A pile connecting metal bracket adapted to be secured to a structure to be supported by a metal pile is described. The bracket has a pair of elongated straight vertical support flanges in a pair of spaced-apart horizontal guide walls secured across the vertical support flanges. The guide wall guides driven hollow metal tubes of the pile. A drive mechanism is removably connected to an attachment. The pile connecting bracket is secured to a structure and the metal tubes of the pile are connected to the metal bracket after the metal pile has been driven into soil to a position of rest whereby the pile can support the structure.