Expandable Concrete Joint Stabilizer for Vertical Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joint stabilizing apparatuses for concrete slabs require a large size and multiple moving parts, necessitating a similarly sized hole, which is not efficient for smaller applications.

Innovation Solution

A joint stabilizer with an expandable housing featuring a slit along its length and an expander that expands perpendicular to the housing axis, allowing for insertion into a smaller circular hole, utilizing a compressible tube and bolt mechanism to apply horizontal forces and limit vertical displacement between concrete slabs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a joint stabilizing apparatus with multiple moving parts is used, then the stabilization function is achieved, but the apparatus size and required hole diameter increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilization functionVSAvoidapparatus outer diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the stabilization function into two distinct components: a stationary conical anchor element embedded in the concrete that provides the stabilization function, and a separate expandable cylindrical housing that is inserted into a smaller hole. This segmentation allows the functional element to remain effective while the inserted housing component is minimized in size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable cylindrical housing is designed to be inserted into and nest within a drilled hole in the concrete slab, while the conical anchor element remains embedded in the concrete. This nesting arrangement allows the functional anchor to be supported by a minimally invasive inserted housing, reducing the required hole diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If an expandable housing with slit and expander mechanism is used, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing outer diameterVSAvoidhousing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical housing incorporates a longitudinal slit that allows the housing wall to flex and expand radially outward when the expander mechanism is activated. This flexible shell design enables the housing to transform from a compact insertable form to an expanded form that engages with the concrete, achieving size reduction without compromising structural function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The housing transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic expandable structure through the longitudinal slit and expander mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the housing to be inserted in a compact state and then expanded to engage the concrete, reducing the required insertion hole size while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If a smaller diameter housing is used, then the hole size requirement is reduced, but the force application capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing outer diameterVSAvoidhorizontal compressive force application

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable housing utilizes radial expansion force generated by the expander mechanism to press the housing walls against the concrete walls. This mechanical force application, enabled by the flexible slit design, allows a smaller diameter housing to generate sufficient horizontal compressive force to stabilize the joint between concrete slabs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The conical anchor element is预先 embedded in the concrete to establish the force application pathway before the expandable housing is inserted. This preliminary action ensures that when the housing expands, the force is effectively transmitted to stabilize the joint, compensating for the smaller housing diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides effective stabilization of concrete slabs with a smaller diameter housing requirement, ensuring relative vertical stability between adjacent slabs while reducing the complexity and size of the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

an expander partly positionable in the expandable housing and configured to expand the expandable housing in directions perpendicular to the housing axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Expansion:

Implementation Method 2

Friction between the expandable housing and the adjacent concrete slabs limits or prevents the adjacent concrete slabs from vertically moving relative to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10501895B2Concrete slab joint stabilizer

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A concrete slab joint stabilizer including an expandable housing including a cylinder defining a slit running along its longitudinal length, the expandable housing having a housing axis extending longitudinally there through, and an expander configured to expand the expandable housing in directions perpendicular to the housing axis. The concrete slab joint stabilizer is configured to limit relative vertical displacement between two adjacent concrete slabs.