Sealing Device Kit for Ground Anchor Transition Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corrosion protection solutions for the transition zone of strand ground anchors are either unreliable or complex and costly, with O-rings being easily displaced during installation and corrosion protection compounds like grease or cement grout being prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device kit comprising a bellow sleeve kit and transition pipe kit provides durable double-layer corrosion protection, using a bellow sleeve with elastic material and a transition pipe with specific diameters and features for secure fastening, along with an annular plug sleeve for easy installation and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-rings are used for sealing connection between recess pipe and protection duct, then sealing function is provided, but O-rings are easily displaced during installation and sealing performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two independent parts: a sealing element integrated into the recess pipe and a separate sealing ring on the protection duct. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and ensures proper positioning during assembly, eliminating the displacement problem of traditional O-rings.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the recess pipe and protection duct. This sealing element is specifically designed to be pushed into the recess pipe during installation, serving as a mediator that ensures proper sealing without requiring complex welding operations or risking displacement.
2Reliability
If additional steel ring is welded inside recess pipe to push sealing ring forward, then sealing connection is secured, but installation becomes expensive and difficult due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The complex welding operation and additional steel ring are completely removed from the installation process. Instead, a simplified sealing element is used that can be directly pushed into the recess pipe without requiring welding or additional components, dramatically reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily installed by pushing, eliminating the need for expensive welding operations and additional steel rings. The sealing element is optimized for ease of installation while providing reliable sealing.
3Reliability
If grease is used for corrosion protection of strands, then corrosion protection is provided, but grease drops down by its own weight over time
Solution Approach 1:
The corrosion protection method transitions from using liquid grease to using a hardened material like cement grout. This parameter change from liquid to solid state eliminates the weight-driven downward movement problem, providing durable long-term corrosion protection that remains in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses composite materials by combining the transition pipe kit with the bellow sleeve kit, creating a multi-layer protection system. The transition pipe provides structural support and positioning, while the bellow sleeve provides flexible sealing, together offering comprehensive and durable corrosion protection.
4Reliability
If cement grout is used for corrosion protection of strands, then corrosion protection is provided, but hardened materials crack when strands need to be restressed
Solution Approach 1:
The corrosion protection system is segmented into two functional layers: the transition pipe kit provides rigid structural support and corrosion protection, while the bellow sleeve kit provides flexible sealing and accommodation for stress movements. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from using a single rigid material to a combination of rigid (transition pipe) and flexible (bellow sleeve) materials. This parameter change in material properties allows the system to maintain corrosion protection while accommodating the flexibility needed for strand restressing without cracking.
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
Ensures reliable and easy installation of a double-layer corrosion protection system that withstands axial displacement and environmental aggressivity, maintaining effective sealing despite ground conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The bellow sleeve (81) consists of an elastic material having a Young's modulus less than 10 MPa and/or an elongation at failure of more than 50%
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A sealing device kit for the protection of strand ground anchors (A) comprises at least one transition pipe kit (5) and/or a bellow sleeve kit (8), wherein the transition pipe kit (5) is designed such that it protects an area of a strand of the strand ground anchor (A) substantially at an anchor head area, in particular between the anchor head (2) and a sheath (7) of the strand (1) and the bellow sleeve kit (8) is designed such that it protects a transition area of the strand ground anchor (A). The transition pipe kit (5) comprises a transition pipe (51) and an annular plug sleeve (52), wherein the annular plug sleeve (52) is connectable to a sheath (7) of a strand (1) and to the transition pipe (51), wherein the annular plug sleeve (52) is arrangeable substantially concentric to the strand (1), wherein the transition pipe (51) is connectable to the anchor head (1) and to the annular plug sleeve (52). The transition pipe (51) is arrangeable substantially concentric to the strand (1) and the annular plug sleeve (52) is arrangeable between transition pipe (51) and the strand (1). The transition pipe (51) comprises a first end area (53) having a first inner diameter (54) and a second end area (55) having a second inner diameter (56). The bellow sleeve kit (8) comprises a bellow sleeve (81), an upper fixation (82) and a lower fixation (83). The bellow sleeve (81) comprises an elastic material. The upper fixation (82) is connectable to an envelope of the transition zone (4) and the lower fixation (83) is connectable to a protection element (9) of the strand ground anchor (A).