Multi-Bar Anchor and Clutch Assembly for Precast Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor-and-clutch systems for precast concrete panels face limitations due to a small shear cone, leading to structural failure under load and increased complexity and cost with multiple anchors and clutches.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple bars within the anchor and a wider clutch body to increase the shear cone volume, with bent and welded bars forming a secure attachment and a pin system for engagement, allowing a single clutch to handle larger anchors and distribute forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple anchors and multiple lifting clutches are used to distribute forces, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is segmented into multiple bars (typically three bars) that are positioned at different orientations within the concrete panel. Each bar contributes to the overall lifting capacity by engaging with the clutch, allowing a single anchor assembly to distribute forces effectively while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bars are combined into a single integrated anchor assembly that functions as one unit with a single clutch. This merging approach achieves the force distribution benefits of multiple anchors while reducing the overall system complexity and number of components
2Strength
If the anchor size is increased to pull on a larger shear cone, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the anchor becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor transitions from a single-bar configuration to a multi-bar three-dimensional arrangement. The bars are positioned at different angles and orientations (e.g., one vertical, two at angles) to engage a larger volume of concrete shear cone, thereby increasing lifting capacity through spatial optimization rather than simply enlarging a single bar
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor employs a composite structural approach by combining multiple steel bars of different orientations and configurations into a unified assembly. This composite structure maximizes the engagement with the concrete shear cone while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized bar components
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
This configuration enhances the lifting capacity and reduces the likelihood of structural failure by increasing the shear cone volume, enabling the handling of heavier precast concrete panels with reduced system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the bars are welded together along longitudinal lengths of the bars that are positioned in the lifting clutch
Data Source
AI summary
Anchors, clutches, and lifting systems are described herein that increase the size of a shear cone within a precast concrete panel without using multiple clutches and without increasing the complexity of the lift system. A shear cone is the volume within the panel that the anchor and clutch pull on when orienting and positioning the precast concrete panel. Anchors described herein encompass a larger volume of the panel in different ways to produce a larger shear cone. Similarly, the clutches described herein have features that allow a clutch to accommodate the improved anchors. As a result, the anchors, clutches, and lifting systems provide a larger shear cone in the panel to increase the load capacity of the lifting system and reduce the likelihood of failure.