Horizontal-to-Vertical Precast Bracket Coupling for Faster Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional construction methods involving on-site assembly of precast structures are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lack scalability, with standard connection mechanisms hampering aesthetic quality and structural integrity, especially in advanced precast structures.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly mechanism comprising a flat bracket and wall bracket with shear connectors for coupling horizontal and vertical precast structures, allowing for rapid installation and ensuring structural continuity and force transfer during load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional on-site connection methods (rebar lapping) are used to couple precast structures, then structural integrity can be achieved, but construction time increases substantially and skilled labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct modular components: a flat bracket with shear connectors for the horizontal precast element, a wall bracket with shear connectors for the vertical precast element, and a connection mechanism (weldable plates with bolts). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately in controlled environments and assembled quickly on-site, reducing construction time while maintaining structural integrity through precise factory fabrication and standardized connection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets and shear connectors are pre-assembled and partially pre-installed on the precast elements during manufacturing in the controlled factory environment. The flat bracket is attached to the horizontal precast structure and the wall bracket is attached to the vertical precast structure before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary action eliminates on-site welding and complex assembly operations, significantly reducing construction time and skilled labor requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional on-site connection methods are used, then structural continuity can be achieved, but the aesthetic quality of interior surfaces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is extracted and positioned on the exterior face of the vertical precast wall, away from interior surfaces. The flat bracket connects to the horizontal element and the wall bracket connects to the vertical element, with the connection plates and bolts visible only on the exterior. This extraction preserves the clean, uninterrupted aesthetic of interior surfaces while maintaining full structural continuity through the engineered connection assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets act as intermediary elements that transfer forces between the horizontal and vertical precast structures without requiring direct contact or penetration of the concrete surfaces. The shear connectors embedded in the concrete and the weldable plates provide a mediated connection that maintains structural continuity while keeping the connection details concealed from interior views, preserving aesthetic quality.
3Productivity
If precast modules are used to reduce construction time, then productivity increases, but standard connection mechanisms require waiting time for connection strength to develop
Solution Approach 1:
The shear connectors are designed to develop their full connection capacity immediately upon installation without requiring curing or strength development time. The mechanical interlocking action of the shear connectors and the direct bearing connection provided by the brackets enable the connection to serve itself immediately, eliminating waiting periods for strength development and allowing continuous construction progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system replaces chemical bonding mechanisms (such as grout curing or concrete strength development) with direct mechanical connection mechanisms. The shear connectors provide immediate mechanical interlocking, and the weldable plates with bolts provide immediate mechanical fastening. This substitution eliminates the time required for chemical processes to develop strength, enabling immediate load transfer and continuous construction.
4Manufacturing precision
If controlled environment production is used for connection mechanisms, then manufacturing precision and durability increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flat bracket and wall bracket are designed as universal components that can be used in multiple connection scenarios involving different horizontal and vertical precast elements. The standardized geometry, connection details, and shear connector arrangements allow these components to serve multiple functions and be applied repeatedly across different construction applications. This universality simplifies the overall system by reducing the variety of unique connection designs needed, despite the precision required in manufacturing each component.
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 mechanism reduces the need for skilled labor, accelerates construction time, enhances structural durability and load resistance, and maintains aesthetic quality by using a controlled environment production process.
Implementation Method 1
A first set of shear connectors extending from the first surface is configured for embedding within the horizontal precast structure. A second set of shear connectors extending from inner surfaces of the horizontal flange and the vertical flange is configured for embedding within the vertical precast structure.
Implementation Method 2
The connection assembly mechanism includes a flat bracket and wall bracket with shear connectors for coupling horizontal and vertical precast structures, allowing for rapid installation and ensuring structural continuity and force transfer during load conditions.
Implementation Method 3
an elastic pad configured for slab bearing between the second surface of the flat bracket and the outer surface of the horizontal flange of the wall bracket
Implementation Method 4
a connection mechanism configured for coupling the outer surface of the horizontal flange of the wall bracket and the second surface of the flat bracket, thereby coupling the horizontal precast structure and the vertical precast structure at a construction site
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly mechanism includes a flat bracket and a wall bracket. The flat bracket has a first surface and a second surface. A first set of shear connectors extends from the first surface and is embedded within a horizontal precast structure. The second surface is flush mounted with the horizontal precast structure. The wall bracket has a horizontal flange and a vertical flange orthogonal to each other. A second set of shear connectors extending from inner surfaces of the horizontal flange and the vertical flange is embedded within a vertical precast structure. A connection mechanism couples an outer surface of the horizontal flange of the wall bracket and the second surface of the flat bracket, thereby coupling the horizontal precast structure and the vertical precast structure through the connection mechanism at a construction site.