Concrete Joint Connection System With Sag-Resistant Rebate Formers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection systems for concrete components are difficult to use, require a dense population of reinforcement anchorages, and are prone to sag due to gravity and concrete weight, offering relatively low tensile capacity.

Innovation Solution

A connection system featuring a rebate former with a backing and stiffening template, coupled with anchors and a stiffening template to prevent or reduce sag, and a method involving a rebate former with a backing and anchors for forming a rebate, using sheet metal and threaded inserts for reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If existing connection systems are used to provide structural connection between concrete components, then connection functionality is achieved, but the systems are prone to sag due to gravity and concrete weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesag resistanceVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: rebate formers for geometric configuration, anchors for mechanical attachment, and stiffening templates for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in addressing specific problems, with stiffening templates specifically targeting sag resistance without compromising overall connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Stiffening templates are installed on the rebate formers before concrete pouring to preemptively counteract the sagging effect that will occur under gravity and concrete weight. This preliminary reinforcement prevents deformation during the critical concrete placement and setting phase, ensuring the connection maintains its geometric integrity throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If existing connection systems use dense population of reinforcement anchorages to achieve adequate tensile capacity, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile capacityVSAvoidanchor population density
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the structural parameters of the rebate former by adding stiffening templates that increase rigidity and load-bearing capacity. This allows the system to achieve adequate tensile capacity through improved structural mechanics rather than through increasing the number of anchors, thereby reducing anchor population density while maintaining required strength levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If existing connection systems are used, then connection functionality is provided, but they are difficult to use and require dense anchor population

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidanchor population
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into rebate formers, anchors, and stiffening templates with distinct functions, the invention simplifies the overall operation. Each component can be independently handled and installed, reducing the complexity associated with managing dense anchor populations and making the connection system easier to operate on construction sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4606963A1Connection system and stiffening template
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4606963A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4606963A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4606963A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A connection system for providing a construction joint between a first concrete component and a second concrete component, the connection system including a rebate former for forming a rebate in a first concrete component, wherein the rebate former has a backing, and the connection system further includes a plurality of anchors coupled to the backing and at least one stiffening template mounted to the backing to prevent or at least reduce sag of the rebate former.