Non-linear Plastic Construction Joint for Concrete Floor Edge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint systems for concrete floors, particularly in high-traffic areas, face issues with pavement edge degradation and vibration-induced damage due to inadequate joint profiles, which lead to premature repair needs and discomfort for cargo vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A plastic-based construction joint with a non-linear upper profile and modular design, allowing for smooth vehicle passage and easy leveling, utilizing injection molding for manufacturing and featuring a male-female connector system for thermal expansion accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal joint profiles are used for concrete floor repair, then the joint provides structural strength and load transfer capability, but the pavement surface cannot be perfectly levelled due to metal's greater hardness compared to repair material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic polymer, which has lower hardness than concrete repair materials. This allows the pavement surface to be perfectly levelled with the joint profile during milling, while still providing sufficient structural strength for the application.
2Ease of manufacture
If linear joint profiles are used, then the joint structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but vehicle wheels pass with vibrations and impacts causing pavement edge degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a non-linear curved upper profile to the joint instead of a straight linear profile. This curvature allows vehicle wheels to roll smoothly over the joint without sudden impacts or vibrations, reducing damage to pavement edges and improving operator comfort while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wide joint profiles are used to accommodate thermal expansion, then the joint allows sufficient movement capacity, but lateral leveling during installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the joint into modular segments with male-female connector systems that allow the joint to expand and contract laterally while maintaining a compact installation footprint. This segmentation enables sufficient movement capacity for thermal expansion without requiring a single wide profile, thus facilitating easier lateral leveling during installation.
4Reliability
If conventional joint systems are used in high-traffic areas, then the joint provides basic load transfer, but pavement edges degrade prematurely requiring frequent repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The curved non-linear upper profile distributes vehicle wheel loads more evenly across the joint area, preventing concentrated stresses at the pavement edges that lead to degradation. This maintains reliable load transfer capability while extending pavement service life in high-traffic areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plastic polymer material for the joint profile that combines flexibility for movement accommodation with sufficient strength for load transfer, creating a composite solution that enhances both reliability and durability compared to conventional rigid metal joints.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is a construction joint specially designed to protect the joint edge on concrete floors. Produced in engineering plastic polymers, it is especially suitable for repairing floors, however, it can be used for other purposes in conjunction with formwork systems. This invention is characterized by being a modular system with quick fittings that don't require tools to assemble the various modules. Each module consists of a single piece that has a vertical non-linear profile (1) and lateral anchoring (2) with holes (7) to allow its positioning and leveling. To make a joint are required at least two modules that are joined together through a male (3) - female (4) quick fitting system that allows not only the assembly of the joint in the closed position but also an open one. There is also a male (5) - female (6) fitting system for assembling sequential modules.