Precast Concrete Connector Rotating Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional connectors for precast concrete panels and floor joists are difficult to assemble, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to the need for shearing motions and complex assembly processes, which increase costs and time.

Innovation Solution

A connector system featuring an attachment member with a retention surface and a bearing surface that rotates into a receiving member, allowing for secure interconnection of precast concrete panels and floor joists, with an arcuate surface facilitating rotation and additional bearing surfaces to support downward and rotational forces, enhancing stability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional keyhole and lug connectors are used, then structural connection is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult requiring shearing motions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnector design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design inverts the traditional approach by using a keyhole-shaped receiving member that passively receives a lug-shaped attachment member, rather than requiring active shearing motions to engage components. The attachment member simply rotates into the receiving member along an arcuate path, eliminating complex assembly operations while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs arcuate (curved) surfaces on both the attachment member and receiving member that guide the rotation and engagement process. The curved geometry naturally directs the attachment member into the correct position and orientation, simplifying assembly while ensuring proper alignment and structural connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If complex shearing motions are required for assembly, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The design inverts the assembly process by eliminating the need for shearing motions entirely. The attachment member rotates passively into the receiving member along a curved path, achieving secure connection through simple rotational movement rather than complex forced engagement, thereby dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design allows the attachment member to self-align and self-engage with the receiving member through its own rotational movement. The arcuate surfaces guide the engagement process automatically without requiring external forcing or complex assembly operations, enabling quick and secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional connectors are used, then structural connection is achieved, but safety issues arise from positioning large concrete structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly safetyVSAvoidpositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector inverts the engagement mechanism to eliminate dangerous shearing motions. The attachment member rotates smoothly into the receiving member along a guided arcuate path, providing predictable and controlled movement that enhances safety when positioning large concrete structures, while still achieving secure structural connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The self-aligning rotational engagement allows the connector to automatically position itself correctly during assembly. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for precise manual positioning and eliminates dangerous forced movements, improving safety while maintaining ease of operation for assembling large concrete structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11713571B2Connector for precast concrete structures

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 MEADOW BURKE LLC

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method is provided to connect precast concrete panels to a structural member. The connector can have a receiving member embedded in a precast concrete panel and can further have an attachment member that selectively interconnects to the receiving member. This attachment member can have a surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the precast concrete panel and that receives or supports a structural member such as a floor joist or a second precast concrete panel. The configuration of a protrusion of the attachment member allows for a rapid and secure interconnection with an aperture in the receiving member. A builder can use the connector system described herein to rapidly and securely assemble multiple precast concrete panels to structural members in the construction of, for example, a parking garage or other similar structure.