Pre-fabricated Composite Structural Reinforcement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural retrofitting systems are inefficient due to on-site construction, inadequate reinforcement, and high installation costs, particularly in older buildings that lack sufficient rebar and require labor-intensive and costly preparation methods.
Innovation Solution
A pre-fabricated composite reinforcement device comprising a metal reinforcement layer, a fiber-reinforced polymer layer, adhesive layers, and power-actuated fasteners, allowing for continuous uniform reinforcement with reduced weight and eliminating the need for on-site preparation, providing superior strength and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If on-site construction of reinforcing devices is used, then flexibility in installation is improved, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing device is pre-fabricated with all components (metal reinforcement layer, fiber reinforced polymer layer, adhesive layer, and fasteners) assembled and prepared before delivery to the site. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming on-site construction while maintaining installation flexibility through standardized pre-fabricated units that can be quickly installed on existing structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-site construction of reinforcing devices is used, then adaptability to site conditions is improved, but quality control consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
All reinforcing device components are manufactured and assembled under controlled factory conditions before delivery, ensuring consistent quality control and precision. The pre-fabricated nature allows for standardized manufacturing processes that maintain high quality consistency while the standardized design enables adaptability to various site conditions through proper positioning and fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing device is divided into discrete, pre-fabricated components (metal layer, polymer layer, adhesive layer, fasteners) that can be independently manufactured with high precision and then assembled on-site. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision through controlled factory production while allowing flexibility in on-site installation and positioning.
3Strength
If traditional retrofitting systems are used, then structural reinforcement is achieved, but installation costs and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses composite materials consisting of a metal reinforcement layer bonded to a fiber reinforced polymer layer, creating a lightweight yet strong composite structure that provides effective structural reinforcement. This composite approach reduces the weight and installation cost compared to traditional heavy reinforcement methods while maintaining or improving structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (metal reinforcement layer, fiber reinforced polymer layer, adhesive layer, and fasteners) are merged into a single pre-fabricated reinforcing device assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate installation of multiple components, reducing installation time, labor costs, and overall resource consumption while maintaining comprehensive structural reinforcement.
4Productivity
If pre-fabricated composite reinforcement device is used, then installation time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into a single pre-fabricated assembly that simplifies installation to basic positioning and fastening operations. Although the device itself has multiple layers and components, their integration into a unified pre-fabricated unit reduces on-site complexity and increases installation speed by eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly procedures.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective structural retrofitting by providing superior strength, reducing installation time and costs, and minimizing environmental hazards associated with on-site preparation, while ensuring consistent and high-quality reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer configured between the metal and fiber reinforced polymer layer
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of power-actuated fasteners configured for securing the metal reinforcement, fiber reinforced polymer, and adhesive layer to the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-fabricated composite reinforcement device for installation on a structure, comprising a metal reinforcement layer; a fiber reinforced polymer layer; an adhesive layer configured between the metal and fiber reinforced polymer layer; and a plurality of power-actuated fasteners configured for securing the metal reinforcement, fiber reinforced polymer, and adhesive layer to the structure; and wherein a first side of the metal reinforcement layer is for positioning upon the structure for installation of the fasteners with the first side facing away from the structure, and a second side is configured with the adhesive and fiber reinforced layer across a surface area of the second side of the metal reinforcement layer.