Post-Tension Joint Connector Sealing for Slab Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temporary movement connectors in post-tensioning systems face challenges with inadequate sealing, leading to ingress of concrete or cement fines, and are prone to failure due to tension forces, resulting in weak joints and reduced longevity of the floor structure.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a housing and dowel bar with a robust seal that allows lateral and longitudinal movement before locking, utilizing a high-strength sealing element and sleeve configuration to prevent concrete ingress and distribute tension forces effectively, enhancing the reliability and durability of the joint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible elastic membrane is used to seal the connector, then relative movement between sections is accommodated, but the membrane is prone to failure due to wear and tearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of relative movementVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible membrane element (such as an elastomeric O-ring or bellows) that can deform and flex to accommodate relative lateral and longitudinal movements between the first and second surfaces. This flexible element maintains sealing contact while allowing the necessary movement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Force

If the connector allows temporary movement before locking, then post-tensioning forces can be transferred, but concrete or cement fines can ingress into the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer of post-tensioning forcesVSAvoidingress of concrete or cement fines

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a seal (such as a flexible membrane element or seal plate with aperture) that is installed beforehand to prevent ingress of concrete or cement fines into the connector during the movement phase. This preliminary sealing action allows the connector to accommodate movement and transfer forces without contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible membrane element or seal plate as an intermediary component that bridges between the housing and the moving tendon or dowel bar. This intermediary element prevents concrete ingress while allowing relative movement, enabling force transfer without contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the seal is rigid to prevent ingress, then sealing is effective, but the seal cannot accommodate lateral and longitudinal movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of concrete ingressVSAvoidaccommodation of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane element (such as an elastomeric material) that combines sealing capability with movement accommodation. The flexible nature of the membrane allows it to deform and flex during lateral and longitudinal movements while maintaining its sealing function to prevent concrete ingress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a seal plate with an aperture that is closely dimensioned to sealably engage the tendon or dowel bar. The aperture dimensions and the seal plate configuration are optimized to provide effective sealing while allowing the necessary longitudinal and lateral movement of the tendon through the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 connector ensures maximum transfer of post-tensioning forces, reduces the risk of joint failure, and improves the longevity and integrity of the floor structure by providing a reliable and robust sealing mechanism that withstands differential movements and tension forces.

Implementation Method 1

The seal is configured to prevent the ingress of concrete or cement fines into the housing through the open end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

The connector ensures maximum transfer of post-tensioning forces, reduces the risk of joint failure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce transfer: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the joint connecting the sections or slabs must be capable of accommodating this relative movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelative movement accommodation: Displacement

Data Source

PatentUS12049733B2Connector

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 MAX FRANK GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A connector is disclosed for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface. The connector comprises a housing. The connector also comprises a tendon. A portion of the tendon can protrude from the housing through a seal. The seal is configured to sealably cover an open end of the housing such that the tendon can move through the seal and laterally sideways across the open end together with at least a portion of the seal. Also disclosed is a connector system for use in forming a joint, and a method of installing a connector to form a joint, between a first surface and a second surface. The connector system and method comprises and makes use of the housing and the tendon.