Joint Edge Protection Apparatus with Anti-Skew Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge protection systems for concrete flooring are expensive, prone to incorrect installation, and do not adequately prevent movement between concrete panels, leading to damage from materials handling equipment with small hard wheels.
Innovation Solution
A joint edge protection apparatus featuring anchorage parts with movable plates and lacer bars supported by ribs, providing a fully bridged gap that prevents debris entry and allows for load transfer, with wave-shaped surfaces for abutment and a support surface to maintain alignment, and an anti-skew stake bracket for secure anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing edge protection systems are used to protect concrete flooring edges, then some protection is provided, but they are expensive, may be over-engineered, and may be subject to incorrect installation
Solution Approach 1:
The edge protection system is divided into separate modular components: joint filler material for filling gaps, and joint edge protection plates that can be independently installed. This segmentation allows for simpler, more manageable installation while maintaining protection effectiveness, directly addressing the issue of complex existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, cost-effective materials such as flexible joint filler and straightforward protection plates rather than expensive, over-engineered solutions. These components are designed to be functional and durable without excessive complexity, reducing both material and installation costs while maintaining adequate protection.
2Reliability
If existing edge protection systems are used, then some protection is provided, but they may not adequately prevent movement of one concrete panel relative to a neighbouring concrete panel
Solution Approach 1:
The joint filler is installed first to fill the gap between concrete panels before the protection plates are placed. This preliminary action ensures that the filler is properly positioned and compacted, creating a stable base that prevents panel movement while maintaining a simple, sequential installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible joint filler can change its physical parameters (density, rigidity) through compression and curing, transforming from a loose granular material to a solid, movement-preventing mass. This parameter change enables effective movement prevention while keeping the installation process simple and straightforward.
3Ease of manufacture
If a joint filler and protection plates system is implemented, then cost-effectiveness and durability are improved, but proper orientation and alignment during installation must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The joint filler material has self-leveling and self-compacting properties that allow it to automatically achieve proper orientation and alignment without requiring precise manual positioning. This self-service characteristic simplifies installation while ensuring correct alignment, addressing the contradiction between cost-effectiveness and installation precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge protection system including a first expandable armoured joint to protect a first joint extending in a first direction, a second expandable armoured joint to protect a second joint extending in a second direction and an intersection module at an intersection of the first expandable armoured joint and the second expandable armoured joint, wherein the intersection module has an indicator to enable a user to ensure correct orientation of the intersection module.