Post Foundation Coupling via Flexible Rod Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between structures and foundations are brittle and prone to failure during seismic activity due to compression and tension cycles, leading to potential structural failure.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for coupling a post to a foundation using a rod with a threaded portion and an inner tube within the post, where the rod is grouted into the foundation and coupled to the post using a nut, allowing for flexibility and absorption of seismic forces through a long rod and deformable post material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a bolt or fastener is used to couple the post to the foundation, then the connection is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection is brittle and prone to failure during seismic activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connection system by introducing a long rod (at least 1.5 times the width of the post) that extends through the post and into the foundation. This parameter change allows the connection to transition from a rigid brittle joint to a flexible system that can deform under seismic loads, improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the connection by using a long rod that can bend and deform under seismic forces. The rod acts as a flexible element that can dynamically respond to earthquake loads, allowing the structure to absorb energy through deformation rather than failing through brittle fracture, thus improving reliability without complicating the manufacturing process.
2Device complexity
If a brittle connection is used to couple the post to the foundation, then the structure is simple and straightforward, but the connection fails during seismic activity subjecting the structure to compression and tension cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters by using a long rod (at least 1.5 times the width of the post) that creates a flexible connection system. This parameter change allows the connection to withstand seismic compression and tension cycles by deforming elastically, improving seismic strength while maintaining connection simplicity through the use of standard rod and fastener components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic deformation capability to the connection system. The long rod can bend and deform under seismic loads, allowing the structure to dynamically absorb earthquake energy. This dynamic behavior enables the connection to withstand compression and tension cycles without failing, improving seismic strength without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the rod is made longer to improve flexibility and seismic force absorption, then the connection can withstand seismic forces better, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific parameter relationship (rod length at least 1.5 times the width of the post) that optimizes the balance between seismic resistance and device complexity. This parameter change provides sufficient flexibility for earthquake loads while avoiding excessive rod lengths that would complicate installation and material usage, thus improving reliability with moderate complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a long rod to create a dynamically flexible connection that can deform under seismic forces. The rod's length is specifically optimized to provide the necessary flexibility for earthquake resistance without creating excessive complexity in the device. The dynamic deformation capability allows the connection to absorb seismic energy while maintaining reasonable 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 system effectively absorbs seismic forces, preventing structural failure by allowing the rod and post to stretch and deform, thereby enhancing the structural integrity during seismic events.
Implementation Method 1
The second rod end is disposed within the foundation opening and coupled to the foundation by grout disposed in the foundation opening
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a system for coupling a post to a foundation. The system includes a rod having a first rod end and a second rod end. The first rod end is spaced apart from a top surface of the foundation, and the second rod end is coupled to the foundation. The post has at least one side wall at least partially defining an inner cavity and an inner tube disposed within the inner cavity and coupled to the at least one side wall. The inner tube has a first tube end and a second tube end that is closer than the first tube end to a bottom end of the post. A portion of the rod is disposable within the inner tube such that the first rod end is axially spaced apart from the first tube end. The first rod end is couplable to the first tube end.