PPVC Connector Rigid Frame Confinement Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PPVC connectors are weak and unable to maintain a strong and durable assembly of PPVC modules due to their flexible nature and lack of confinement effect, leading to detachment of fillers after curing, which compromises the structural integrity of buildings.
Innovation Solution
A rigid PPVC connector with a confined space design that uses anchors and a frame to enclose fillers, creating a confinement effect and forming a continuous reinforced structure between modules, enhancing structural stability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible PPVC connector is used to join modules, then ease of installation is improved, but structural strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a composite structure combining a rigid frame (steel or concrete) with flexible elements (rubber or plastic seals). This composite design maintains structural strength through the rigid frame while preserving ease of installation through the flexible sealing components that can accommodate minor misalignments during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connector have different mechanical properties: the frame structure is rigid to provide strength, while the sealing surfaces and joint interfaces are flexible to facilitate installation. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between overall rigidity and installation flexibility.
2Strength
If a rigid PPVC connector is used to join modules, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines rigid structural elements (frame made of steel or concrete) with flexible sealing components (rubber or plastic seals). The rigid frame provides the necessary structural strength, while the flexible seals accommodate minor misalignments during installation, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector has rigid regions (frame) for strength and flexible regions (sealing surfaces) for adaptability. This spatial differentiation allows the same component to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity and tolerance to installation variations.
3Ease of operation
If fillers are not confined during curing, then ease of pouring is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector includes a cavity designed to receive and confine liquid fillers during the pouring process. The cavity acts as a temporary containment structure that maintains filler position during curing, ensuring structural integrity while allowing easy pouring through its open access design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector cavity serves as an intermediary structure between the poured filler and the final structural assembly. It temporarily holds the filler in the correct position during curing, preventing detachment and ensuring proper bonding, then becomes part of the permanent structural connection.
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 PPVC connector effectively forms a monolithic assembly of PPVC modules with improved compressive strength and tensile resistance, suitable for high-rise buildings by maintaining the fillers in place during curing and under load, thereby increasing the structural integrity and durability of the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The PPVC connector comprises the first anchor for being attached to or embedded into/onto a wall (e.g. ceiling, floor, sidewall) of the first PPVC module. The PPVC connector also comprises the second anchor for being attached to or embedded into/onto the second PPVC module with non-shrink grout. The PPVC connector further comprises a frame either rigid or flexible (e.g. metal rod, rebar, plate or sheet) operable for coupling the first anchor and the second anchor together.
Implementation Method 2
The PPVC connector also comprises the second anchor for being attached to or embedded into/onto the second PPVC module with non-shrink grout.
Data Source
AI summary
A PPVC connector is provided for joining a first PPVC (Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction) module and a second PPVC module. The PPVC connector is adopted for coupling or joining a first PPVC module and a second PPVC module together, comprising a first anchor for attaching to the first PPVC module; a second anchor for attaching to the second PPVC module; and a frame for coupling the first anchor and the second anchor together. The first anchor, the second anchor, the frame or a combination of any of these components comprise a plate having at least one side for attaching to one of the PPVC Module. Due to confinement effect, the first module and the second module are prevented from detachment so as to bind the first PPVC module and the second PPVC module together permanently to form a monolithic assemble.