Mechanical Connector for Dowel Bar Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dowel bar and tie bar assemblies face issues with corrosion, weld impurities, broken welds, and exposure to harmful chemicals during the welding process, which affects the quality and safety of the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical connection system using friction type connectors, clip designs, spring coil wire, and spring steel compression rings to secure dowel bars to frames, eliminating the need for welding and reducing chemical exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding process is used to connect dowel bar to frame, then strong connection is achieved, but corrosion protection coating is damaged and weld impurities are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcoating integrity and weld quality

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical system) with a mechanical connection system consisting of a connector and retaining members. This mechanical system achieves strong connection without damaging the corrosion protection coating or generating weld impurities, thereby maintaining both connection strength and coating integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual welding is used to assemble dowel bar assembly, then connection is achieved, but labor exposure to harmful chemicals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidchemical exposure to labor force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual welding operations with a mechanical assembly process using connectors and retaining members. This eliminates the harmful chemical smoke and fumes generated by welding, protecting labor force health while maintaining assembly capability through simple mechanical insertion and retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automatic welding is used to produce dowel bar assemblies, then productivity increases, but large amounts of smoke are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsmoke generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces automatic welding processes with a mechanical connection system that can be assembled through simple insertion and retention operations. This eliminates smoke generation entirely while maintaining high productivity through efficient mechanical assembly operations that do not require complex welding equipment or smoke extraction systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Strength

If welded connection is used for dowel bar assembly, then rigid connection is achieved, but vibrations during transport cause broken welds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection rigidityVSAvoidweld integrity during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates flexible retaining members that provide cushioning and vibration absorption during transport. These members hold the dowel bar securely in the connector while allowing for movement and shock absorption, preventing the broken welds that occur in rigid welded connections during vibration and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The mechanical connection system provides a stable, corrosion-resistant, and safer assembly method by avoiding welding and chemical exposure, reducing the risk of broken welds and improving the overall quality of dowel bar assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

The spring coil wire comprises at least one circular member forming a cavity for receiving the dowel bar and an arm extending in a first direction parallel to the dowel bar and then extending in a second direction substantially downward. The arm has a first end and a second end wherein the second end engages a first portion of the frame. The first end and second end can be manipulated to manipulate the spring coil wire such that the spring coil wire can be selectively removed from the dowel bar and frame.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first embodiment is a friction type connector and is the preferred embodiment. The first embodiment is preferably made of a plastic and contains a cavity capable of receiving a dowel bar.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10458453B1Dowel bar assembly and mechanical connector

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS INC

AI summary

A mechanical connector for securing a dowel rod to a frame of a dowel bar assembly as well as a dowel bar assembly are detailed. Each embodiment of the mechanical connector includes a portion to receive the dowel bar. A second portion of the mechanical connector engages the frame of the dowel bar assembly. A third portion of the mechanical connector engages a separate part of the frame further stabilizing the mechanical connector and frame.