Grid Spacer Structure for Reinforcement Support and Pipe Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reinforced concrete components, particularly ceilings, face issues with sagging lower reinforcement elements due to spacers being too far apart, and increasing spacer density requires excessive material and installation, while existing solutions do not efficiently accommodate pipes for temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A plastic grid spacer with crossing struts that supports reinforcement elements over a large area, reducing material usage and allowing for easy installation, while also pre-assembling pipes for temperature control, with adjustable support points and recesses for pipe fixation, simplifying assembly and compliance with fire protection regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the arrangement density of spacers is increased to prevent sagging of reinforcement elements, then the reinforcement element stability is improved, but the material consumption and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereinforcement element stabilityVSAvoidspacer material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete spacer functions into a single grid element that simultaneously supports the reinforcement element and accommodates pipes. The grid element integrates both reinforcement support and pipe fixation capabilities, eliminating the need for separate spacer components and reducing overall material consumption while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grid element serves multiple functions: it acts as a spacer to prevent sagging of the reinforcement element, provides support planes for the reinforcement mesh, and simultaneously offers receptacles for fixing pipes. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate elements are used for fastening pipes within the reinforcement system, then the pipe fixation functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe fixation functionalityVSAvoidnumber of separate components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates pipe fixation receptacles directly into the grid element structure. The grid element combines reinforcement support and pipe fixation into a single unified component, eliminating the need for separate pipe fastening elements and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grid element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting the reinforcement mesh, preventing sagging, and fixing pipes through integrated receptacles. This universal component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If discrete individual spacers are used, then the material usage is reduced, but the reinforcement element sags when spacers are arranged too far apart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacer material usageVSAvoidreinforcement element sagging
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The grid element is divided into a network of crossing struts forming multiple cells, with support points distributed across the structure. This segmentation provides multiple support locations without requiring continuous material coverage, optimizing material usage while preventing sagging between support points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grid element transitions from discrete point spacers to a two-dimensional planar structure with distributed support points. This dimensional change allows the spacer to cover a larger area with fewer materials, providing adequate support across the entire reinforcement element surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1719852B1Spacer for a reinforcement of a reinforced-concrete element, in particular of a reinforced-concrete floor
Publication Date: 2013.07.17 UPONOR INNOVATION AB
  • EP1719852B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1719852B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1719852B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The spacer holder comprises a lattice element (10, 10~) that comprises numerous cross-end struts (12, 14, 15). The lattice element has a first side with a first bearing plane (24) with defined first bearing points (22) for support of a moulding (20) to produce the steel-concrete finished section. The first side~s opposite-lying second side has a support plane (50) with define support points (49) for supporting of reinforcement elements (48) of the steel-concrete finished section. A number of the struts have a spacing to the first bearing plane whilst the remaining struts are located on the first bearing points of the first bearing plane. The struts have pipe-holder plane (46) defined pipe receivers (32, 34, 36) for receiving and fixing of a tempering medium flow pipe (30).