Duct Coupler for Pre-cast Concrete Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting pre-cast concrete structural elements with tendon ducts are labor-intensive due to the need to keep ducts clear during assembly.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a duct coupler with engagement and head portions, featuring coupling portions with protrusions and recesses, which couples pre-cast ducts in concrete structural elements while preventing adhesive from flowing into the ducts, and a duct holder for embedding ducts within forms during concrete pouring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to connect pre-cast concrete elements with tendon ducts, then the ducts can be connected, but labor intensive efforts are required to keep the tendon ducts clear during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The duct connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the duct coupler with engagement portions for connecting ducts, and a head portion with a sealed interface for preventing adhesive entry. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct coupler is pre-assembled with the engagement portions and sealed interface before the connection process. The sealed interface is pre-configured to prevent adhesive from entering the ducts, eliminating the need for manual protection of ducts during assembly and reducing the time required to keep ducts clear.
2Strength
If adhesive is used to connect concrete structural elements, then strong bonding is achieved, but adhesive may flow into the ducts causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of adhesive flowing into ducts is extracted and isolated by introducing a separate sealed interface component (the head portion of the duct coupler). This sealed interface acts as a barrier that prevents adhesive from reaching the ducts while allowing the bonding function to proceed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The head portion of the duct coupler serves as an intermediary element between the adhesive application zone and the ducts. It provides a sealed interface that mediates the interaction by blocking adhesive flow into the ducts while still allowing the structural connection to be formed through the engagement portions.
3Reliability
If manual methods are used to prevent adhesive from entering ducts, then duct protection is possible, but labor intensive efforts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The duct coupler is designed to protect the ducts from adhesive automatically through its integrated sealed interface. The structure itself performs the protection function without requiring external manual intervention, making the system self-servicing and eliminating labor-intensive protective measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct connection function and the duct protection function are merged into a single integrated component (the duct coupler). The engagement portions handle connection while the head portion with sealed interface handles protection, combining both functions in one element that simplifies operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include methods and apparatuses for connecting concrete structural elements, such as pre-cast concrete structural elements. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a first concrete structural element into which a first duct is pre-cast, a second concrete structural element into which a second duct is pre-cast, and a duct coupler that couples the first duct in fluid communication with the second duct and prevents adhesive from flowing into the first or second duct when the first and second concrete structural elements are coupled together. In another implementation, a method of forming a concrete structural element includes disposing at least a portion of a duct within a form for receiving poured concrete, disposing a duct holder through an opening in the form and coupling the duct holder with the duct to hold the duct in position within the form during pouring, and removing the duct holder after the concrete hardens.