Thermally Non-Conductive Lifting Insert for Concrete Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated concrete sandwich panels face challenges with thermal bridging and inadequate stress resistance, which affect their thermal insulation and lifting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A thermally non-conductive lifting insert comprising a fiberglass rod with end sleeves to enhance stress resistance and prevent thermal bridging, anchored by metal sleeves and steel bars for secure load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a lifting insert is used in insulated concrete sandwich panels, then the lifting capability is improved, but thermal bridging occurs reducing thermal insulation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting insert is segmented into multiple components: a fiberglass rod divided into multiple fibers, end sleeves at opposite ends, and anchoring members. This segmentation allows the insert to be anchored securely for lifting while the segmented fiberglass structure minimizes thermal bridging compared to a solid rod
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting insert uses composite materials combining fiberglass (thermally non-conductive) with metal end sleeves and anchoring members. The fiberglass rod provides thermal insulation by breaking the thermal path, while the metal components provide the necessary strength for lifting. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between lifting strength and thermal insulation
2Strength
If the fiberglass rod is made longer to improve lifting capability, then stress resistance decreases due to increased slenderness ratio
Solution Approach 1:
End sleeves are attached to the opposite ends of the fiberglass rod before lifting operations. These end sleeves provide preliminary reinforcement at the critical stress points (ends), allowing the fiberglass rod to achieve full lifting capacity without excessive deflection or failure, effectively compensating for the reduced stress resistance of longer rods
Solution Approach 2:
Metal end sleeves are composite-attached to the fiberglass rod ends, creating a hybrid structure that combines the high strength-to-weight ratio of fiberglass with the high strength and stiffness of metal at the critical end regions, thereby improving overall stress resistance
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 effectively improves stress resistance and prevents thermal bridging, enabling the fiberglass rod to handle larger lifting forces while maintaining thermal insulation, thus enhancing the performance of insulated concrete sandwich panels.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally non-conductive lifting insert comprising a fiberglass rod
Implementation Method 2
The two end sleeves create confinement of fibers of the fiberglass rod to improve stress resistance of the fiberglass rod
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting insert for a concrete sandwich panel is disclosed. The lifting insert includes a fiberglass rod and two end sleeves secured to two opposite ends of the fiberglass rod. The two end sleeves create confinement of fibers of the fiberglass rod to improve stress resistance of the fiberglass rod. The two end sleeves are also separated by a predetermined distance apart from each other to prevent/reduce thermal bridging. The lifting insert further includes two anchoring members secured to the two end sleeves for anchoring the fiberglass rod within the concrete sandwich panel.