Stay-in-Place Liner Panel Connector Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing, restoring, reinforcing, protecting, and insulating structures often require excessive materials, leading to high costs and inefficiencies, particularly in addressing structural degradation due to corrosion, harsh environments, and material compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A stay-in-place lining system comprising connectable panels with complementary connector components that form a secure, resilient edge-to-edge connection, allowing for efficient application of concrete or curable materials to repair and reinforce structures while minimizing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional repair methods are used to restore structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but material consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system is divided into modular panels with standardized connector components. Each panel can be independently installed and removed, allowing precise application of materials only where structural repair is needed, rather than covering entire surfaces with excessive material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin panel structures that can conform to structural surfaces while providing adequate repair coverage. These thin-film panels reduce material consumption compared to traditional thick coatings or patches, while still achieving the required structural reinforcement when filled with curable material.
2Productivity
If panels are connected edge-to-edge to form a lining system, then coverage efficiency is improved, but connection reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The connection functionality is extracted as a separate, specialized component (connector) distinct from the panel body. This allows the connector to be optimized specifically for joining operations with features like protrusions and receptacles, while the panels focus on providing structural coverage, thereby improving both installation efficiency and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components are pre-formed with complementary geometries (protrusions and receptacles) that guide proper alignment during installation. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces ensures rapid assembly while maintaining reliable connections, as the components are designed to mate together in a predetermined manner.
3Reliability
If resilient connectors are used to create leak-tight seals, then sealing performance is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design utilizes changes in material properties (resilience/elasticity) to achieve sealing functionality. The resilient material allows the connector to deform under compression, creating a leak-tight seal through parameter change rather than through complex mechanical sealing structures, thereby maintaining relatively simple geometry while achieving reliable sealing.
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 solution enables effective repair, restoration, and reinforcement of structures with reduced material usage, enhancing structural integrity and durability while maintaining a secure, leak-tight seal, thus addressing the inefficiencies and cost issues of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
the receptacle resiliently deformed by the extension of the protrusion into the receptacle to thereby apply a restorative force to the protrusion to maintain the edge-to-edge connection
Data Source
AI summary
A tool is used for assembling at least a portion of a stay-in-place form-work for casting a structure from concrete, the form-work comprising first and second elongate panels having first and second edge components and connectable in an edge-to-edge relationship wherein the first and second edge components engage one another. The tool comprises: a first arm having a first handle, the first arm terminating at a first tool head; and a second arm having a second handle, the second arm terminating at a second tool head and pivotally attached to the first arm by a pivot joint. The first tool head comprises a first protrusion for engaging the first edge component. The second tool head comprises a second protrusion for engaging the second edge component; the first and second handles are moveable toward one another in a manner which forces the first and second tool heads toward one another thereby forcing the first and second edge components into a locked configuration.