Post-Tension Anchor Sheathing Lock and Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post-tension anchor systems face challenges in preventing liquid intrusion and maintaining a secure seal due to sheathing shrinkage over time, which compromises the integrity of the tendon anchorage and can lead to moisture and contaminant ingress.
Innovation Solution
A post-tension apparatus featuring a sheathing lock and a seal affixed to the anchor member, where the sheathing lock is positioned between the anchor wall and the tendon sheathing to retain the sheathing and a tubular seal forms a liquid-tight connection with the sheathed portion of the tendon, preventing moisture and contaminants from entering the anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional post-tension anchor systems are used without additional retention devices, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the tendon sheathing shrinks over time causing liquid intrusion and compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into distinct functional components: the anchor member, the sheathing lock device (with separate body and retention members), and the seal device (with seal member and retention ring). Each component performs a specific function - the sheathing lock prevents shrinkage while the seal prevents liquid intrusion - allowing the system to address multiple problems without creating a single complex integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheathing lock device is installed beforehand to prevent sheathing shrinkage before liquid intrusion can occur. The retention members are positioned to engage the sheathing in advance, maintaining its expanded state and preventing the conditions that would lead to liquid penetration and structural compromise.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sheathing is allowed to shrink naturally over time, then the anchor system requires fewer components and is easier to install, but moisture and contaminants can enter the anchor compromising the tendon
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the anchor interior. It is positioned within the tubular extension to intercept liquids and contaminants before they can reach the tendon, while the retention ring keeps the seal in place. This intermediary seal prevents harmful factors from affecting the tendon without requiring complex active protection systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal device is added to prevent liquid intrusion, then protection against moisture and contaminants is improved, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated assembly. The seal member and retention ring work together as a unit to prevent liquid intrusion, eliminating the need for separate complex protection systems. This merged design provides effective contaminant prevention while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
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 apparatus effectively retains the tendon sheathing and prevents liquid intrusion, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the post-tension system by creating a reliable, liquid-tight seal at the anchor end, reducing manufacturing and installation complexity while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a seal affixed within the tubular extension so as to reside in liquid-tight sealing relation with the sheathed portion of the tendon
Implementation Method 2
a sheathing lock positioned in the cavity and engaged with the sheathed portion of the tendon
Data Source
AI summary
A post-tension apparatus has an anchor member having a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending through the cavity of the anchor member the has an unsheathed portion and a sheathed portion, an encapsulation affixed to the anchor member and extending thereover that has a trumpet formed at one end of the anchor member, a sheathing lock positioned in the cavity and engaged with the sheathed portion of the tendon, a seal affixed within the trumpet so as to reside in liquid-tight sealing relation with the sheathed portion of the tendon, and wedges recessed in the cavity of the anchor member. The pair of wedges is engaged with the unsheathed portion of the tendon. The sheathing lock is positioned adjacent an end of the pair of wedges.