Concrete Slab Hooked Reinforcing Element Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete slabs require significant on-site work for fixation to building structures, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The concrete slab incorporates a hooked reinforcing element with a U-shaped design that allows for force transfer between the slab and the building structure, reducing the reliance on concrete alone for fixation, and can be easily connected to neighboring slabs or structures using protrusions and grout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional concrete slabs are used for fixation to building structures, then the connection can be achieved, but significant on-site work is required which is inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fixationVSAvoidon-site work time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hooked reinforcing element is pre-installed within the concrete slab during manufacturing, with the hook portion positioned to engage with building structure reinforcing members. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site fixation work, as the slab is ready for immediate installation with simple placement and grouting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hooked reinforcing element serves as an intermediary component that facilitates connection between the concrete slab and the building structure. The hook portion engages with reinforcing members in the building structure, while the fixed portion is embedded in the slab, creating an effective force transfer mechanism that simplifies the fixation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional fixation methods are used, then connection is achieved, but the process is complex and requires extensive on-site work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidfixation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hooked reinforcing element is pre-positioned within the concrete slab during manufacturing, with the hook portion oriented to engage with building structure reinforcing members. This preliminary action ensures reliable force transfer while eliminating complex on-site assembly operations, reducing both complexity and installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hooked reinforcing element is self-contained within the concrete slab, requiring no separate installation steps. The element automatically provides connection functionality upon slab placement, with the hook portion ready to engage with building structure reinforcing members and the fixed portion already embedded in the slab.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If force transfer is relied upon concrete alone, then connection is possible, but the fixation requires more concrete material and on-site work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transfer capabilityVSAvoidconcrete quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The hooked reinforcing element acts as an intermediary that enables efficient force transfer between the concrete slab and building structure. The fixed portion is embedded in the slab while the hook portion engages with reinforcing members in the building structure, creating a mechanical connection that transfers forces effectively without requiring excessive concrete for fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameter for force transfer from concrete alone to a composite system involving steel reinforcing elements. This parameter change enables more efficient force transfer through the high-strength steel hooked elements, reducing the quantity of concrete needed for fixation while maintaining or improving connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2657423B1A concrete slab
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 VBI ONTWIKKELING
  • EP2657423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2657423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2657423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A concrete slab (1) comprises a connecting portion (4) for connecting the concrete slab (1) to a building structure (2). The connecting portion (4) comprises a slab contact surface (5) for contacting a building structure contact surface (6) of a building structure (2) and a hooked reinforcing element (8) having a fixed portion (8a) and hook portion (8b). The fixed portion (8a) is embedded in the concrete of the concrete slab (1). At the hook portion (8b) the concrete slab (1) is provided with a recess (7) which opens to the outside of the concrete slab (1).