Panel Connector Socket Design for Soil Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for soil reinforcement rods and concrete face panels lack efficiency and performance in secure attachment and ease of installation, as they do not provide superior orientation and stability within embankments.
Innovation Solution
A panel connector with a socket-shaped connection body and anchor system that securely engages the head of a soil reinforcement rod with a concrete face panel, featuring an insertion aperture, side slot, and anchor protrusion for easy installation and enhanced stability, allowing the rod to be oriented and anchored effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used to attach soil reinforcement rods to concrete face panels, then the connection is secure, but the installation process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a connection body with socket for rod engagement, an anchor portion for concrete attachment, and a reinforcement element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables pre-assembly, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-assembled with the anchor and connection body positioned relative to each other before installation. The socket is pre-formed with the correct geometry to receive the rod head, and the anchor is pre-positioned for concrete engagement. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex field assembly operations and reduces installation time
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional connectors are used to secure soil reinforcement rods, then the connection is stable, but the orientation and positioning precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection body features a socket with specific local geometric properties: an insertion aperture with diameter greater than the rod head diameter to facilitate insertion, and an exit aperture with diameter smaller than the rod head diameter to prevent removal. The side slot provides localized flexibility while maintaining overall positioning precision. This local differentiation of geometric properties achieves both precise positioning and stable retention
3Reliability
If a simple connector design is used, then the installation is easy, but the performance and reliability of the connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the connection body provides rod engagement through the socket, the anchor portion provides concrete attachment, and the reinforcement element provides structural strength. This merging of functions into one component maintains relative simplicity while achieving high connection reliability through the combined action of all functional elements
Data Source
AI summary
A panel connector has a connection body for connecting with a soil reinforcement rod, and an anchor for connecting the connection body to a concrete face panel. The connection body defines a socket shaped to receive and engage the head of the soil reinforcement rod. The socket includes an insertion aperture having an aperture diameter greater than a head diameter of the head of the soil reinforcement rod, a base having an exit aperture with an exit diameter smaller than the head diameter, and a side slot extending from the insertion aperture to the exit aperture.