Precast Concrete Connection Device with Integrated Load Receptacle

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to provide a device and method for precast concrete parts that prevent thermal bridges while ensuring adequate reinforcement, particularly at transitions like balconies to ceilings, without spatial overlap between lifting anchors and thermal connection elements, allowing for efficient handling and lifting of precast concrete elements.

Innovation Solution

A device with a receptacle for a load handling device is integrated into the precast concrete part, allowing the load handling device to be attached despite protruding reinforcement elements, with the receptacle designed to be freely accessible and not overlapping with thermal connection elements, enabling easy handling and lifting while the thermal connection element can also introduce forces from the lifting anchor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If transport anchors and thermal connection elements are separately integrated into precast concrete elements, then both lifting capability and thermal insulation are achieved, but spatial overlap occurs between these elements and reinforcement allowances collide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidspatial arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transport anchor and thermal connection element into a single integrated device. The connecting element serves dual purposes: as a thermal connection element surrounded by insulating material to prevent thermal bridges, and as a transport anchor with a receptacle for lifting devices. This merging eliminates spatial overlap between separate elements and their reinforcement allowances while achieving both lifting capability and thermal insulation functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If thermal connection elements are integrated into precast concrete parts, then thermal bridges are prevented, but handling and lifting become difficult due to lack of accessible mounting points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal bridge preventionVSAvoidhandling accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed with multi-functionality: it provides thermal insulation by being surrounded by insulating material to prevent thermal bridges, and simultaneously provides a mounting function with an accessible receptacle on its outer surface for attaching lifting devices. This allows the same element to fulfill both thermal protection and handling requirements without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate transport anchors and thermal connection elements are used, then lifting and thermal insulation functions are achieved, but reinforcement requirements increase due to overlapping reinforcement allowances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural functionalityVSAvoidreinforcement material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transport anchor and thermal connection element into one integrated device, which eliminates the need for separate reinforcement allowances for each element. The single device requires only one set of reinforcement embedded in the precast concrete, reducing the total quantity of reinforcement material while maintaining both lifting capability and thermal insulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution allows for efficient handling and lifting of precast concrete parts with integrated thermal connection elements, preventing thermal bridges and ensuring space-saving integration of reinforcement, allowing for seamless connection to building structures without mutual interference.

Implementation Method 1

The connecting element is at least partially surrounded by an insulating body... to ensure that, with the given reinforcement, heat conduction between the cantilevered section and an interior section is prevented as far as possible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4001529A1Device for prefabricated concrete parts with integrated recess for a load bearing means
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 AVI ALPENLANDISCHE VEREDELUNGS IND GES
  • EP4001529A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001529A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001529A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for connecting structural elements, particularly those made of concrete, such as ceilings and/or walls of a building, comprising at least one central connecting element (2) and reinforcing elements (3) projecting from it, wherein the central connecting element (2) is at least partially surrounded by an insulating body (4). To provide such a device (1) with additional functionality for use, a receptacle (5) for a load-bearing element is provided according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of such a device (1) and a method for manufacturing a precast concrete element.