Plastically Deformable Cable Loop for Precast Concrete Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for connecting precast concrete parts using cable loops are expensive and require complex separate devices to maintain the cable loop in an angled position during transport and assembly, which increases production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A cable loop with a plastically deformable core, such as a metal wire, that holds the loop in an angled position without the need for additional devices, allowing the loop to be embedded directly into the concrete part, and an insert body with a U-shaped profile to secure the loop during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate holding devices (storage boxes, inserts, covers) are used to maintain the cable loop in an angled position during transport and assembly, then the cable loop can be reliably positioned, but the production cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable loop positioning reliabilityVSAvoidholding device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable loop with the holding function by integrating a plastic deformable core directly into the cable loop structure. This eliminates the need for separate holding devices (storage boxes, inserts, covers) while maintaining the ability to hold the cable loop in an angled position during transport and assembly. The core itself performs the holding function that previously required external devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable loop with plastic core is self-sufficient in maintaining its angled position without requiring external holding devices. The plastic core's deformability allows the cable loop to maintain its shape and angle autonomously during transport and assembly, and then snap into the unfolded position during concrete pouring, eliminating dependency on separate holding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If specially designed rails with inserts are produced to hold the cable loop, then the cable loop can be secured in position, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable loop securing reliabilityVSAvoidholding part manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cable loop and holding function into a single integrated component. The plastic core within the cable loop provides the holding capability, eliminating the need for separately manufactured rails with inserts. This integration significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining securing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple plastic core that can be easily manufactured and disposed of or reused, replacing expensive specially designed rails with inserts. The plastic core provides sufficient functionality for a single use cycle during concrete pouring, after which the system can be reset or the core replaced with minimal cost.

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

3Shape

If the cable loop is held parallel to the face of the precast concrete part during transport and assembly, then the positioning is maintained, but additional insert shell parts and covers are required increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable loop orientationVSAvoidinsert shell and cover complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the orientation-maintaining function directly into the cable loop structure through the plastic core. The core's deformability allows the cable loop to maintain its parallel orientation during transport and assembly without requiring insert shell parts or covers. The shape is maintained autonomously by the core's mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces production costs by eliminating the need for separate holding devices and allows for reliable angled positioning of the cable loop during transport and assembly, enabling efficient absorption of shear and longitudinal forces through the embedded cable loops.

Implementation Method 1

the means is a cable core lying in the cable of the cable loop, which is plastically deformable. The cable core is thus, for example, a suitably designed metal wire whose stability is selected in such a way that it is able to hold the cable loop in an angled position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2239397B1Device for connecting ready-mixed concrete sections
Publication Date: 2013.08.21 PEIKKO GROUP
  • EP2239397B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2239397B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The device has cable sections forming a cable loop (20) that includes a cable core to hold the cable sections in bent position. The cable core is plastically deformed and lies within the cable sections of the cable loop. An insert body (10) includes an opening for the cable loop and inserted into a recess (1a) of pre-cast concrete sections (1, 2). The insert body is located at a front side on the pre-cast concrete sections such that the pre-cast concrete sections are surface-precisely locked with the front edge.