Inflatable Joint Chamber Injection System for Bridge Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint chamber injection systems are unstable under operating conditions such as settlement, shearing, and temperature variations from -30° C to +60° C, and require extensive work for injection grouting, impairing economic viability and traffic disruption.
Innovation Solution
A reusable joint chamber injection system featuring a flat-tube sealing cushion with inflatable design, connected to an injection agent supply device and a rod-shaped guide element, utilizing swelling fleece sealing tapes to create a water-tight seal, and a method for introducing injection agents into concrete cracks to stabilize the joint area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional joint chamber injection systems are used, then sealing function is provided, but stability under operating conditions (settlement, shearing, temperature variations) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and volume parameters of the sealing material by introducing a volume-changeable shaped body (inflatable cushion) that can alter its dimensions in response to operational conditions, thereby maintaining sealing effectiveness despite structural movements and temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sealing system combining the inflatable cushion (elastic material), swelling fleece sealing tapes (absorbent material), and injection agent (chemical substance) to create a multi-functional sealing structure that addresses both mechanical stability and chemical sealing requirements
2Reliability
If extensive injection grouting work is performed, then crack stabilization is achieved, but productivity decreases and traffic disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary preparation by placing the inflatable cushion and swelling fleece sealing tapes in the joint chamber before concrete cracking occurs or before injection is needed, allowing the actual sealing action to be completed rapidly when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic inflation of the cushion and hydraulic injection of the injection agent through controlled pressure application, enabling rapid deployment and sealing action that minimizes construction time and traffic disruption
3Ease of repair
If reusable sealing systems are implemented, then ease of repair and dismantling improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing system into separable modular components (inflatable cushion, swelling fleece tapes, injection device) that can be independently installed, removed, and reused, facilitating easy repair and maintenance while managing complexity through standardization
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 system provides effective, economical, and rapid sealing of expansion joints, preventing water leakage and damage from icicles, with high notch strength, chemical, and water pressure resistance, allowing for quick deployment and easy dismantling without long-term traffic disruption.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing swelling fleece sealing tapes to create a water-tight seal
Implementation Method 2
A reusable joint chamber injection system featuring a flat-tube sealing cushion with inflatable design
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The application comprises devices of a joint cavity injection system for subsequent stabilisation of water-permeable joint cavity/concrete coverings in bridges, tunnels and buildings, which devices, coated over the length and width with a reusable sealing cushion, are attached at the outer sides by means of a self-adhesive swelling non-woven sealing tape having a weight of at least 480 g/m2, which on the longitudinal side and the transverse side has closures resistant to internal pressure with a diffusion rate of 0.73 mbarl/year and is filled or evacuated via a plastic-coated, metal compressed-air valve having a valve extension, wherein the joint cavity and concrete cracks can be filled with injection medium according to requirements, using a joint injection system. The devices consist of an injection medium feed device, a swelling non-woven injection compartment system, and an injection medium stop plug, which are secured to the sealing cushion on site or at the factory or can be slid over the sealing cushion by means of a slide-on joint injection microcable tube, a swelling non-woven injection compartment system and an injection medium stop plug.