Hinged Protective Shield for Concrete Hose Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for placing concrete in large structures face challenges in maintaining the integrity of joints between concrete hoses, particularly when these hoses are moved, as they often disconnect due to exposure to underlying reinforcement structures, leading to unreliable and inefficient concrete placement.
Innovation Solution
A protective shield device formed by two hollow shells hinged on one side, encasing the joint mechanism between concrete hoses, utilizing friction to maintain a closed orientation and prevent accidental engagement with obstructions, ensuring the joint remains secure during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If concrete hoses are moved during placement operations, then the hoses can reach remote portions of the structure, but the joints between hoses may disconnect due to engagement with underlying reinforcement structures
Solution Approach 1:
A protective shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the joint closure members and the reinforcement structures. The shield prevents direct engagement between the closure members and obstructions while allowing the hose to move and reach remote areas, thus maintaining both reach capability and joint integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield is constructed as a flexible or semi-rigid shell that can move with the hose during placement operations. This shell encapsulates the closure members, protecting them from engagement with reinforcement structures while maintaining the hose's ability to reach remote portions of the structure
2Ease of operation
If conventional pan protection is used for joints, then the joints can move over reinforcing wire, but the pans may tip and become engaged with underlying structure, exposing the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is divided into two hollow shell segments hinged together, allowing the shield to open for clamp access and close for protection. This segmented design enables the shield to adapt to different operational states while maintaining joint security during movement
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is positioned around the joint before movement begins, preliminarily protecting the closure members from potential engagement with reinforcement structures. The shield remains in place during movement, preventing the tipping and exposure problems experienced with pans
3Reliability
If the protective shield uses friction to maintain closed orientation, then the joint is protected during movement, but the shield must be manually opened for clamp access
Solution Approach 1:
The shield utilizes friction between its surfaces to automatically maintain the closed protective orientation during movement without requiring active control. The friction-based self-latching mechanism provides reliable protection while allowing manual opening when clamp access is needed
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 protective shield device effectively prevents joint disconnection by encapsulating the closure members, allowing for reliable and efficient concrete placement across surfaces with underlying reinforcement structures, enhancing the durability and ease of use while maintaining the joint's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing friction to maintain a closed orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shield device is disposed at the joint between connected concrete hoses to protect the joint connecting one concrete hose to another from accidentally catching on an obstruction on the surface over which the concrete hose joint is moved during operation and disconnecting the two concrete hoses. The protective shield device is formed by two housing portions that are hinged on one side and connected by one or more retaining elements to surround and encapsulate the concrete hose joint. The closed protective shield device has a larger central portion to accommodate the joint structure, and narrower end portions to provide no protruding structure that will catch any underlying obstructions that could cause the enclosed joint latch to be exposed.