Flexible Cable Connecting Device for Prefabricated Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for connecting prefabricated structures are time-consuming and require precise positioning of connecting devices, which can lead to jamming issues during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize prefabricated structures with rectilinear recessed edges and a connecting device featuring a flexible cable with loops, allowing for easy insertion and deformation to fit between edges, with a binder being introduced to solidify the connection, reducing the need for precise alignment and minimizing jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid connecting device is used to connect prefabricated structures, then the connection strength is improved, but the positioning time and assembly complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidpositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device incorporates movable parts that can shift relative to each other, transforming a rigid structure into a dynamic one. This allows the device to adapt its shape during insertion, reducing positioning time while maintaining connection strength once assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its geometric parameters (width, shape) during the assembly process. The movable parts allow the device to compress or expand laterally, enabling easier insertion between prefabricated structures without compromising the final connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If precise positioning of the connecting device is required, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the connecting device have different mobility characteristics. The movable parts are strategically positioned to provide local adaptation where needed, while other parts maintain fixed positions for stability. This localized mobility reduces overall assembly complexity while preserving connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the connecting device has a fixed width, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation during insertion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice dimensional precisionVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device transitions from a static, fixed-width structure to a dynamic one where the width can vary during insertion. Movable parts allow the device to compress laterally when encountering obstacles or misalignments, making insertion easier while maintaining manufacturing precision for the connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the connecting device is rigid, then the structural stability is improved, but the tendency to jam during insertion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidjamming tendency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device incorporates movable parts that can shift position during insertion, allowing the structure to adapt to variations in the prefabricated structures. This dynamic capability reduces jamming while the final assembled configuration maintains structural stability through the binder and reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2628869B1Device for connecting prefabricated structures for building construction
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 FACEINVENT
  • EP2628869B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2628869B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP2628869B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The device (1) has a secured flexible cable (7) comprising terminal ends between which cable zones (8a-8c) are located and isolated from/to each other along the cable. A limiting unit (9) limits spacing of the zones relative to each other, where the unit is connected to the zones, so that the cable forms loops (10) when the zones are separated from each other. The loops are extended between the zones and placed to partially penetrate recessed edges when the cable is placed between prefabricated structures (3, 4), so that a straight line passing through the ends extends along the edges. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a connection kit for connecting prefabricated structures (2) an assembly comprising prefabricated structures.