Pile Joint With Inclined Wedge Fitting for Firm Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pile coupling methods, such as weld joining and mechanical joints, face challenges in achieving firm and reliable connections between piles, especially due to site conditions and variability in welding quality, and may not prevent slippage during underground installation.
Innovation Solution
A pile joint with a tubular body and inclined fitting portions that allow for rotation and wedging of projections, providing a firm uniting mechanism through tapered and wedge-shaped surfaces, along with reinforcing members to enhance strength and prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If weld joining is used to couple piles, then the piles can be connected, but the process requires a lot of time and effort for welding and inspection, and welding quality varies due to site conditions and welder skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical coupling system consisting of a coupling body and engagement protrusions. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for welding operations, welder skills, and welding quality inspections, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable connection and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure enables self-positioning and self-locking through the interaction between engagement protrusions on piles and corresponding features on the coupling body. The inclined surfaces automatically guide the piles into proper alignment during insertion, and the rotation mechanism automatically locks the connection without requiring external assistance or inspection, reducing both time and skill requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical joint member with lugs is used for mechanical coupling, then welding work is avoided, but the coupled piles are not firmly united
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from simple lug fitting (one-dimensional engagement) to a multi-dimensional coupling mechanism involving: (1) radial engagement of protrusions with the coupling body, (2) axial movement through inclined surfaces, and (3) rotational locking. This multi-dimensional engagement provides firm uniting while maintaining mechanical coupling simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure combines multiple functional elements (coupling body, engagement protrusions, inclined surfaces, and rotation mechanism) into an integrated mechanical system. This composite structure achieves both ease of manufacture and strong coupling by distributing the coupling function across multiple coordinated components rather than relying on a single simple feature.
3Device complexity
If the fitting portion has only a vertical surface, then the structure is simple, but slippage occurs when piles are pulled out during underground installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of pile extraction forces into a beneficial locking mechanism. The inclined surfaces are designed so that extraction forces activate the rotation mechanism, which then engages the protrusions more firmly with the coupling body. The force that could cause slippage is instead utilized to enhance the coupling strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure transitions from a static vertical surface to a dynamic inclined surface system that responds to applied forces. The inclination angle allows the fitting portion to adapt its engagement characteristics based on the direction and magnitude of forces during installation and operation, providing slip prevention while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 firm and reliable coupling of piles, preventing slippage and ensuring secure underground installation by utilizing inclined surfaces and reinforcing members to enhance structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a first shape having a surface that is inclined so as to become distant from the end of the body as the surface extends in the direction of rotation of the pile
Implementation Method 2
The fitting portion is also formed with the second shape for fitting between the projection and the pile, which produces the so-called wedge effect between the projection and the fitting portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a pile joint, a pile coupling structure, and a pile coupling method that allow firm uniting of piles to be coupled. A joint (10) for coupling two piles (12) comprises: a tubular body (16) into which each pile (12) provided with a key (14) on a periphery thereof is inserted through an end (16A) of the body (16); and a fitting portion (22) formed on the body (16) so as to be fitted to the key (14) by the insertion and rotation of the pile (12). The fitting portion (22) is formed with: a tapered shape having a surface (22A) that is inclined so as to become distant from the end (16A) of the body (16) as the surface (22A) extends in the direction of rotation of the pile (12); or a wedge shape for fitting between a projection and a pile.