Non-symmetrical Load Transfer Plate for Concrete Joints

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load transfer devices between concrete slabs, such as dowels and dowel receiving sheaths, experience increased relative movement and reduced loading capacity due to non-conformity in shape, leading to inefficiencies in transferring vertical loads across joints between new and existing concrete slabs.

Innovation Solution

A non-symmetrical load transfer plate with a tapered semi-cylindrical first half and a tapered trapezoidal or triangular second half is used, optimized to fit within a load transfer plate pocket, enhancing load transfer by securing into existing and new concrete slabs, respectively, and allowing for improved movement and load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dowel and dowel receiving sheath are used to transfer loads between concrete slabs, then load transfer is achieved, but relative movement between slabs increases and loading capacity is reduced due to non-conformity in shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transfer efficiencyVSAvoidrelative movement between slabs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing a load transfer plate with a non-symmetrical cross-sectional shape that does not mirror itself. The plate has a first portion with a first cross-sectional shape that fits into a corresponding pocket in the existing slab, and a second portion with a second cross-sectional shape that fits into a corresponding pocket in the new slab. This asymmetric design ensures conformal contact between the plate and the pockets, reducing relative movement and improving load transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by having different cross-sectional shapes at different portions of the load transfer plate. The first portion has a first cross-sectional shape optimized for engagement with the existing slab pocket, while the second portion has a second cross-sectional shape optimized for engagement with the new slab pocket. This allows each portion to be locally optimized for its specific function, improving overall load transfer while minimizing relative movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If a symmetrical dowel shape is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but load transfer capacity is reduced due to poor fit with the pocket geometry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedowel fabrication simplicityVSAvoidloading capacity at joint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing a load transfer plate with a non-symmetrical cross-sectional shape that does not mirror itself. The plate has a first portion with a first cross-sectional shape that fits into a corresponding pocket in the existing slab, and a second portion with a second cross-sectional shape that fits into a corresponding pocket in the new slab. This asymmetric design ensures conformal contact between the plate and the pockets, reducing relative movement and improving load transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the cross-sectional shape parameters along the length of the load transfer plate. The first cross-sectional shape and second cross-sectional shape have different geometric parameters optimized for their respective pocket engagements. This allows the plate to achieve optimal fit and load transfer capacity while maintaining manufacturability through controlled variation of geometric parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10533292B2Load transfer plate and method of employing same

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a load transfer plate including a non-symmetrically shaped body having a semi-cylindrical first portion configured to protrude into and be secured in the first cast-in-place concrete slab and a non-semi cylindrical second portion configured to protrude into a load transfer plate pocket secured in the second cast-in-place concrete.