Concrete Joint Mandrel-Sleeve Connector for Transverse Force Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mandrel-sleeve connections for connecting concrete components are complex, expensive, and inefficient in transmitting transverse forces while avoiding load peaks, leading to potential cracking at joint edges.

Innovation Solution

A mandrel and sleeve design with reinforcement elements featuring bent legs and front plates, allowing for improved force transmission and distribution, manufactured efficiently from sheet metal by bending, and embedded in concrete to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If mandrel and sleeve are equipped with reinforcing elements made of high-strength mortar-like mass, then fracture resistance of concrete is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefracture resistance of concreteVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from high-strength mortar-like mass to bent metal legs made of sheet metal. The bending process creates geometric reinforcement that provides structural strength without requiring complex multi-material construction. The bent legs distribute loads through geometric configuration rather than material strength alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive high-strength mortar-like mass with simpler, cheaper bent metal legs made from standard sheet metal. The bent legs achieve reinforcement through geometric configuration rather than expensive materials, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If mandrel and sleeve are equipped with reinforcing elements made of high-strength mortar-like mass, then force distribution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distributionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from high-strength mortar-like mass to bent metal legs made of sheet metal. The bending process creates geometric reinforcement that provides structural strength without requiring complex multi-material construction. The bent legs distribute loads through geometric configuration rather than material strength alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive high-strength mortar-like mass with simpler, cheaper bent metal legs made from standard sheet metal. The bent legs achieve reinforcement through geometric configuration rather than expensive materials, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple mandrel-sleeve connections are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but force transmission capability and load peak avoidance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidforce transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by bending the metal legs along bending lines. The bent geometry of the legs creates load distribution paths that reduce stress concentrations at the joint edge. The curved/bent shape allows forces to be transmitted more smoothly through the concrete compared to straight rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds geometric dimensionality through bent legs that extend in multiple directions. The bent configuration creates a three-dimensional load distribution structure that improves force transmission capability without requiring additional materials or complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4624692A1Device for connecting two components separated by a joint
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 GRAVIS AG
  • EP4624692A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4624692A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4624692A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A device (1) for connecting two components (B1, B2) separated by a joint (F), which is suitable for absorbing transverse forces, comprises a mandrel part (100) comprising a mandrel (101) and a sleeve part (200) with a sleeve (201), wherein a mandrel-side reinforcing element (102) is arranged on the mandrel (101), which has a mandrel-side front plate (110) on which a mandrel-side leg (120) is present on at least one edge (115), and wherein a sleeve-side reinforcing element (202) is arranged on the sleeve (201), which has a sleeve-side front plate (210) on which a sleeve-side leg (220) is present on at least one edge (215),wherein on the mandrel-side leg (120) there is at least in sections an edge section (123) bent along a bending line (122) running parallel to a mandrel longitudinal axis (DL) and/or on the sleeve-side leg (220) there is an edge section (223) bent along a bending line (222) running parallel to a sleeve longitudinal axis (HL).