Concrete Edge Protection Dowel Plate Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge protection systems for concrete flooring panels are time-consuming to install and lack flexibility, often resulting in damage at the interface between panels when heavy objects are moved, as they do not effectively absorb weight transfer.

Innovation Solution

An edge protection system featuring modular components with bridging pins, a dowel plate and sheath, and elastically deformable hooks to securely align and support adjacent panels, allowing for efficient installation and accommodating panel contraction and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing edge protection systems are used to protect concrete flooring panel edges, then damage to panels is reduced, but installation time increases and flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel edge protection effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The edge protection system is divided into modular components: a first part coupling to one panel edge, a second part coupling to the opposing panel edge, and a dowel plate with dowel sheath for inter-panel support. This segmentation allows independent installation of each module, reducing overall installation time while maintaining protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dowel plate and dowel sheath act as intermediary elements between adjacent concrete panels. The dowel sheath is fitted to extend laterally from the first part with its internal cavity aligning with apertures, allowing the dowel plate to be inserted through the cavity to a supporting position. This intermediary mechanism provides precise alignment and support during installation, reducing installation complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If existing edge protection systems are used to support panels, then panel alignment is maintained, but the system lacks flexibility for panel movement and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel alignment stabilityVSAvoidpanel movement accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamic elements that allow for panel movement and contraction while maintaining alignment. The dowel plate can move within the dowel sheath cavity, and the elastically deformable hooks can flex to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of concrete panels. This dynamic capability provides both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in panel position and orientation while maintaining protective functionality. The slots in the first and second parts allow for adjustment of panel positioning, and the elastically deformable hooks can deform to accommodate changes in panel dimensions due to temperature or moisture variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If heavy objects are moved over panel interfaces, then material handling efficiency is maintained, but panel damage occurs at interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial handling efficiencyVSAvoidpanel interface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dowel plate and dowel sheath system provides beforehand cushioning at panel interfaces. The dowel plate is inserted into the dowel sheath cavity to a supporting position before heavy objects are moved over the interface, creating a protective mechanism that absorbs and distributes impact forces from forklifts and other heavy equipment, preventing chipping and damage to panel edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 system provides improved modularity and faster installation while reducing damage to concrete panels by maintaining alignment and supporting panels effectively, even under heavy loads.

Implementation Method 1

The dowel sheath is provided with elastically deformable hooks along a lower edge of the dowel sheath so as to couple with a lower edge of the slots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3695065B1Edge protection system having dowel plate

Publication Date: 2023.08.09 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

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AI summary

An edge protection system for use with concrete flooring, including a first part for coupling to an edge portion of a first concrete flooring panel and a second part for coupling to an opposed edge portion of a second, neighbouring, concrete flooring panel, a dowel plate and a dowel sheath, wherein the dowel plate is for supporting the second concrete flooring panel relative to the first concrete flooring panel, the dowel sheath is fitted to extend laterally from the first part, with an internal cavity of the dowel sheath aligning with apertures formed in the first and second parts such that the dowel plate is able to be inserted into the dowel sheath cavity through said apertures to a supporting position in which the dowel plate remains in the apertures and extends laterally from the second part.