Concrete Joint Apparatus with Continuous Engagement Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for forming joints between concrete floor slab panels often lack continuous engagement with the concrete, leading to potential spalling and inadequate protection against load-induced damage, as they typically have gaps or protrusions that compromise the structural integrity and durability of the slabs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features elongate concrete engagement members and top strips with continuous abutment faces that securely engage with the concrete on both sides of the joint, providing a strong and uninterrupted surface for the concrete to abut, while also anchoring firmly to prevent spalling and protect the arris from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing apparatuses use discrete anchoring points (studs spaced at regular intervals), then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to potential spalling and inadequate protection between anchoring points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuous engagement members (elongate concrete engagement members extending along the divider plate) instead of discrete studs, ensuring uninterrupted contact and load distribution across the entire length of the divider plate, thereby preventing spalling and providing continuous protection against damage
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members are divided into multiple segments or zones along the length of the divider plate, with each segment providing localized anchoring and protection, allowing the system to maintain continuous engagement while managing structural complexity through modular design
2Strength
If the apparatus provides continuous engagement with concrete through elongate members, then the strength and durability are improved, but the ease of manufacture is worsened due to more complex fabrication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are constructed as composite structures combining the divider plate material with concrete engagement features, integrating multiple functions (dividing concrete, anchoring to concrete, providing continuous engagement) into a single composite component that enhances strength while streamlining manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the divider plate and engagement members into a single integrated apparatus, combining the functions of concrete division, anchoring, and continuous engagement protection into one unified structure, thereby improving structural integrity while reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps
3Reliability
If the apparatus uses protrusions or gaps in the engagement members, then the ease of operation is improved for concrete pouring, but the reliability is worsened due to compromised structural integrity at discontinuous points
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are designed with varying local properties: continuous engagement zones provide structural integrity and spalling protection, while localized features (such as reduced depth sections or strategic gaps) facilitate concrete pouring and placement, allowing the system to satisfy both reliability and operational requirements in different locations
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for forming a joint between concrete floor slab panels, with: • a divider plate (2); • a first top strip (3) connectable to the divider plate and a second top strip (4) frangibly connectable to the divider plate and/or the first top strip; each of the top strips comprising: • an elongate concrete engagement member (9); and • a top section comprising • an elongate top face presenting an elongate edge configurable to lie at the level of the top surface of a concrete panel; and • an elongate concrete abutment face extending from the elongate edge along the length of the relevant top strip, which abutment face is a continuous face adapted for concrete to be cast against; • wherein the abutment face extends downward from the elongate edge of the top face and the angle between the abutment face and the top surface of an abutting concrete panel is from 65° to 135°.