Pivotable Gate Splicing Device for Reinforcement Cage Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reinforcement cage splicing systems, such as those using cantilevered suspension bolts, face issues with mechanical failure due to excessive bending and lateral deflections, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies in construction processes, particularly when dealing with tall piles or misaligned cages.

Innovation Solution

A splicing device with a pivotable gate mechanism that securely engages a suspension band between reinforcement cages, preventing lateral movement and reducing the risk of mechanical failure by distributing loads more evenly, thus eliminating the need for cantilevered bolts and separate auxiliary components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cantilevered suspension bolts are used to connect reinforcement cages, then the splicing operation can be performed, but mechanical failure occurs due to excessive bending and lateral deflections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing operationVSAvoidmechanical failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the problematic cantilevered suspension bolts from the system and replaces them with a gate mechanism that positively engages the suspension band, eliminating the source of mechanical failure while maintaining splicing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The gate mechanism acts as an intermediary between the suspension band and the reinforcement cage, providing a reliable connection that distributes loads evenly and prevents the excessive bending and lateral deflections that caused failures with direct bolt engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate auxiliary components are used for splicing, then the connection can be achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection achievementVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the functions of connection, engagement, and load distribution into a single integrated gate mechanism that is directly mounted on the reinforcement cage, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary components while achieving reliable splicing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3314067B1Device for splicing reinforcement cages
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 RENDER STEPHEN
  • EP3314067B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)
  • EP3314067B1 patent drawingFigure 1(b)
  • EP3314067B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A device (150) for splicing together a first reinforcement cage (10) and a second reinforcement cage (20), the first reinforcement cage (10) comprising a suspension band (18) adjacent one of its ends and the second reinforcement cage (20) carrying the said device (150) adjacent one of its ends, wherein the device (150) comprises: an anchoring portion (160) carried on a portion of the second reinforcement cage (20) adjacent its one end, e.g. via a bridging portion (170), and configured or configurable such that at least a portion thereof is radially spaced from the second reinforcement cage (20) so as to define a radial suspension gap (G) between the said portion and the second reinforcement cage (20), the suspension gap (G) being configured for receiving therein the suspension band (18) on the first reinforcement cage (10) as the first and second reinforcement cages (10, 20) are spliced together; and gate means (180) constructed and arranged so as to be selectively configurable in either an open configuration, in which the suspension band (18) on the first reinforcement cage (10) can be inserted into or received in the suspension gap (G) via the gate means (180), or a closed configuration in which the suspension band (18) on the first reinforcement cage (10), once located in the suspension gap (G), is prevented from being removed therefrom via the gate means (180), wherein the gate means (180) is moveable between its open and closed configurations by virtue of at least a portion thereof being moveable by pivoting.