Insulated Concrete Panel Tie With Protrusion Slot Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete ties for insulated concrete panels require extensive pre-processing and labor-intensive installation, often necessitating multiple ties and holes in the insulation layer, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A concrete tie with a main body featuring a protrusion, upper and lower feet, and support ribs that engages with a slot in the insulation panel, providing structural rigidity and load transfer while minimizing processing and installation complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional concrete ties are used with holes formed in the insulation layer, then the concrete tie can be installed to connect concrete layers, but the installation becomes labor-intensive and requires extensive pre-processing of the insulation layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The concrete tie is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently positioned and secured within the insulation layer. The tie includes a first section with a first hole and a second section with a second hole, allowing modular installation and reducing the complexity of single-piece installation while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation layer is pre-formed with recesses that accommodate the concrete tie sections before the concrete is poured. This preliminary preparation of the insulation layer eliminates the need for extensive on-site processing and reduces installation labor while ensuring proper positioning and reliable connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If multiple concrete ties are installed to ensure structural integrity, then the connection between concrete layers is strengthened, but the number of holes and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple concrete tie sections are combined into a single integrated structure that spans across the insulation layer. The first and second sections are connected through the insulation layer, providing multiple connection points and enhanced bond strength while reducing the total number of separate components and holes needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The concrete tie structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection between concrete layers, distributes loads across multiple sections, and integrates with the pre-formed recesses in the insulation layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10132080B2Insulated concrete panel tie

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 JENSEN KEITH

AI summary

A concrete tie for use in an insulated concrete panel, the concrete tie including a main body having (1) a length, an inner surface, and an outer surface; (2) a protrusion extending away from the inner surface of the main body and along the length thereof; (3) at least one upper foot extending above a top surface of the main body and at least one lower foot extending below a bottom surface of the main body, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage with a slot formed in an insulation layer.