U-Shaped Spacer for Concrete Ceiling Slab Vibration Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concrete element ceiling parts are prone to damage during storage and transport due to vibrations, leading to handling issues and increased error or reject rates during construction.
Innovation Solution
A device with a spacer element and U-shaped holding arms that clip onto the upper flange of the lattice girder, providing a secure and adjustable clamping mechanism to protect the visible side of the concrete element ceiling parts, allowing for efficient stacking and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If concrete precast slabs are stacked or placed side by side for storage and transport, then storage efficiency and transport capacity are improved, but the visible sides of the slabs are damaged due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective element as an intermediary component between concrete precast slabs during storage and transport. This protective element absorbs vibrations and prevents direct contact between slab surfaces, thereby protecting the visible sides while maintaining efficient stacking arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective elements are positioned in advance on the concrete slabs before storage or transport operations begin. This beforehand cushioning creates a protective barrier that prevents vibration-induced damage to the visible sides of the slabs during subsequent handling and storage operations.
2Ease of operation
If concrete precast slabs are positioned with reinforcement facing upwards for lifting, then handling efficiency is improved, but the slabs become more vulnerable to vibration damage during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element serves as a mediator that allows the slabs to maintain the reinforcement-upwards positioning for easy lifting while simultaneously protecting the visible sides from vibration damage during storage and transport operations.
3Length of stationary object
If traditional concrete spacers are used to space slabs during storage, then spacing is achieved, but the visible sides are still affected by vibrations and damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element functions as both a spacer maintaining the required distance between slabs and as a vibration-absorbing intermediary that prevents damage to the visible sides, unlike traditional rigid concrete spacers that do not provide vibration protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element changes the physical parameters of the spacing system by introducing a compliant, vibration-absorbing material instead of rigid spacers, thereby maintaining spacing distance while reducing vibration transmission to the slab visible sides.
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 device effectively reduces damage to the visible sides of concrete element ceiling parts during storage and transport, improving handling efficiency and reducing the error or reject rate by providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for spaced arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining arms are preferably bent apart elastically, and the respective upper chord is secured between the two retaining arms in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for the spaced arrangement of concrete element ceiling parts (10) with a lattice girder (14) comprising a top chord (15), comprising a spacer element (20) with a first side (21) and a second side (22) and two retaining arms (30), wherein the respective retaining arm (30) is U-shaped with a first leg (31) and a second leg (32), wherein the first legs (31) are connected to the spacer element (20), and wherein the second legs (32) are arranged between the first legs (31) and form a clamping section (38) on mutually facing sides for force-fit and/or form-fit reception of the top chord.