Concrete Core Tempering Spacer Layout to Prevent Twisting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete core temperature control elements face issues with spacer devices tilting or twisting under rough site conditions, leading to inconsistent concrete covering and potential exposure of reinforcement parts, which compromises the quality and uniformity of the concrete surface.

Innovation Solution

The spacer devices are arranged such that distributor bars run parallel to lattice layer bars, with spacer elements having elevations that prevent twisting by abutting lattice rods, and multiple connecting elements are used to secure the spacer elements, ensuring stability and preventing twisting or tilting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional spacer devices are used without anti-twisting features, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the spacer devices tilt and twist under rough site conditions leading to inconsistent concrete covering and reinforcement exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcrete cover consistencyVSAvoidspacer device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer element incorporates an asymmetric elevation structure with a flat upper side and a vertical projection that abuts against the lattice girder. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotation and twisting of the spacer device while maintaining relatively simple construction, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer device is pre-assembled with the elevation structure on the spacer element before placement on the construction site. The distributor rod is positioned on the elevation during assembly, ensuring proper orientation and preventing twisting before the concrete is poured, thereby improving concrete cover consistency without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple connecting elements are used to secure spacer elements, then the stability and anti-twisting capability are improved, but the ease of manufacture and device complexity are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacer device stabilityVSAvoidspacer device assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the distributor rod to the spacer element while also serving as the anti-twisting feature through its specific geometric configuration. This merging of functions improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity or manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elevation structure on the spacer element serves dual purposes: it provides a positioning surface for the distributor rod and simultaneously acts as a mechanical stop that prevents twisting and tilting of the entire spacer device. This multi-functionality enhances stability while keeping the device relatively simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the distributor rod is positioned on the elevation of the spacer element, then the anti-twisting effect is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacer device orientationVSAvoidspacer element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevation structure features an asymmetric design with a flat upper side for positioning the distributor rod and a vertical projection that contacts the lattice girder. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent anti-twisting capability through simple geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical components, achieving stable orientation with minimal increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2725160B1Concrete core tempering element and concrete core tempering system, comprising such a concrete core tempering element
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 REHAU AG & CO
  • EP2725160B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2725160B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The element has a truss boom mat (1) whose truss boom layer (2) is arranged between a space-turn reinforcement layer and a space-turn outer layer. The truss boom mat is provided with longitudinal bars (4) that are connected with a transverse rod (5). A pipework system discharges moderate temperature fluid, and is connected with the truss boom layer. Spacing retention devices (6) are fixed with the space-turn reinforcement layer and arranged parallel to a dispatcher rod (7) and the longitudinal bars. A spacer element (8) is arranged vertically to the longitudinal bars.