Fiber Reinforcement Strip Anchored by U-Bracket for Concrete Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Structural elements such as concrete, masonry, and timber walls are prone to cracking, tilting, and bowing due to inherent weaknesses, particularly under lateral loads and water pressure, necessitating a simple and cost-effective method for anchoring reinforcement materials to prevent deformation and potential collapse.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement system involving a fiber reinforcement strip adhered to a structural member with U-shaped brackets having legs and a bridge portion, where the strip is wrapped around the bridge and adhered to both the bracket and the member, providing secure anchorage and reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If carbon fiber material is adhered to structural elements to treat deformation, then the structural strength is improved, but the complexity and cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement system is divided into discrete modular components: U-shaped brackets with anchor legs for structural attachment, fiber reinforcement strips for tensile strength, and adhesive material for bonding. This segmentation allows for simplified installation and replacement of individual components without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adhesive material serves as an intermediary substance that bonds the U-shaped brackets to the structural element and the fiber reinforcement strips to the brackets. This intermediary enables secure attachment while allowing for flexible installation and potential future removal or replacement of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional anchoring methods are used to reinforce structural elements, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of installation and cost-effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped brackets are pre-formed with anchor legs designed to be inserted into pre-drilled holes in the structural element. The fiber reinforcement strips are also prepared in advance with adhesive applied, allowing for quick installation by simply wrapping them around the bridge portion and securing them in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for dynamic adjustment and potential reconfiguration. The adhesive bonds provide sufficient strength for structural reinforcement while permitting future removal or modification of the reinforcement system if needed, offering flexibility not available in permanent mechanical anchoring methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system effectively inhibits deformation of structural elements by providing strong tensile strength through the fiber reinforcement, preventing progressive damage and structural collapse while being cost-effective and easy to install.

Implementation Method 1

A U-shaped bracket includes a pair of legs being adhered within the pair of holes and a bridge portion that overlaps the fiber reinforcement strip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

providing strong tensile strength through the fiber reinforcement, preventing progressive damage and structural collapse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTensile strength: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3040496B1Structure reinforcement system and method
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 FORTRESS STABILIZATION SYST
  • EP3040496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3040496B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3C
  • EP3040496B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A reinforcement system includes a structural member such as a concrete wall including a pair of holes formed therein. A fiber reinforcement strip is adhered to the structural member between the pair of holes. A U-shaped bracket includes a pair of legs being adhered in the pair of holes and a bridge portion that overlaps the fiber reinforcement strip, wherein the first end of the fiber reinforcement strip is wrapped around the bridge portion and adhered to an intermediate portion of the fiber reinforcement strip.