Post-Tensioned Concrete Anchor with Segmented Barrel and Localized Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post-tensioning anchors for concrete reinforcement are often heavy, require excess material, lack spatial flexibility, and have limited mounting options, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact anchor with a square base member, reinforced ribs, and four mounting holes, designed to accommodate mono strand tendons, offering flexibility in orientation and space usage, and encapsulated for corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional anchors are used for post-tensioning, then the anchor can provide sufficient strength to withstand tensile loads, but the anchor becomes heavy and requires excess material
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor body is divided into a bearing plate portion and a barrel portion that are separable. The barrel portion can be removed after the tendon is tensioned and anchored, leaving only the lightweight bearing plate in place. This segmentation allows the anchor to provide full strength during installation while minimizing permanent weight on the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing plate portion is designed with localized reinforcement ribs that provide strength only where needed for load distribution, rather than requiring the entire anchor body to be heavily constructed. This allows sufficient tensile load capacity with minimal material usage.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional anchors with constant thickness bearing plate are used, then the anchor can be manufactured simply, but the anchor lacks spatial flexibility and mounting options
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing plate portion includes multiple mounting holes positioned at different locations and orientations, providing various mounting options without complicating the manufacturing process. The separable design also allows the bearing plate to be installed independently of the barrel portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing plate portion serves multiple functions: it provides a load-bearing surface for the concrete, offers multiple mounting hole options for various installation orientations, and distributes tensile loads through its rib structure. This multi-functionality achieves spatial flexibility without increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Force
If conventional anchors are used, then the anchor can provide adequate load bearing capacity, but the anchor requires more material and is less cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The separable design allows the barrel portion to be removed after serving its temporary purpose of holding and tensioning the tendon. Only the essential bearing plate portion remains, significantly reducing material usage while maintaining full load bearing capacity during the critical tensioning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing plate portion incorporates reinforcement ribs only in the specific areas where load distribution is needed, rather than uniformly thick construction throughout. This localized reinforcement provides adequate load bearing capacity with minimal material consumption.
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 anchor reduces material usage and weight while maintaining structural integrity, offering increased ease of installation, packaging, and handling, along with enhanced durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the tensile members are reinforced by wedge action
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an anchor (10) for post tensioned concrete reinforcement comprising a base member (14), a rear tubular portion (22), a front tubular portion (24), reinforcing ribs (42), and four mounting holes (56). The square plate shaped base member (14) facilitates uniform distribution of load on the concrete surface. The base member (14) has rounded corners to minimize stress concentration. The rear tubular portion (22) and front tubular portion (24) protrude from the base member (14) in opposite directions forming a through tubular section (30). The rear tubular portion (22) receives the tendon (34) to extend into the inner cavity of the tubular section (30). The front tubular portion (24) has a tapered inner cavity that receives a conventional tapered wedge (32). The tapered wedge (32) is tightened, which forces it against the sides of the tapered inner cavity, clamping the tendon in place. The reinforcing ribs (42) extend radially outward from the exterior of the front tubular section (24) on the front surface (16) of the base member (14). The anchor (10) is light weight, cost effective and easy to manufacture and handle on account of increased strength and less material requirement. The mounting holes (56) allow the anchor (10) to be secured to the concrete surface with nails (58). This arrangement allows the anchor (10) to be oriented in any direction, which provides flexibility in installation.