Precast Connector With Through-Hole Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for precast concrete parts require precise alignment and multiple connectors, leading to increased costs and effort in positioning and fixing the parts relative to each other.
Innovation Solution
A connection system with a single precast connector featuring a base plate with a larger insertion opening, positioning means with locking plates and teeth allowing free positioning and positive locking, and casting anchors arranged symmetrically for efficient force distribution, enabling easy alignment and fixation with reduced material and assembly effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pair of precast connectors is cast into each precast concrete part, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of casting connectors into both precast concrete parts (symmetrical approach), the invention casts a single precast connector with base plate and anchors into only one part, while the other part receives a receiving element. This asymmetrical inversion reduces the number of connectors from two to one per connection point, lowering material usage and cost while maintaining connection strength through the receiving element that provides the necessary anchorage in the second part.
2Manufacturing precision
If the precast concrete parts are precisely aligned before bracing, then the connection accuracy is high, but the positioning effort and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate of the precast connector is cast with a through-opening and positioning features that prepare the connection point in advance. The through-opening is designed to guide the connecting element, and the base plate geometry provides inherent positioning capability. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment during assembly, as the precast connector and receiving element are designed to self-align and guide the connecting element into the correct position.
3Quantity of substance
If a single precast connector is used instead of a pair, then the material usage and cost are reduced, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two functional components: a precast connector cast into the first precast concrete part, and a receiving element installed in the second precast concrete part. The precast connector contains the base plate with anchors and through-opening, while the receiving element provides the receiving bore and anchorage. This segmentation allows a single precast connector to suffice, as the receiving element complements it to provide the full connection functionality and reliability without requiring a second precast connector.
4Force
If multiple anchors are welded to the base plate, then the load distribution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate and multiple anchors are merged into a single precast concrete element. Instead of welding separate anchor components to the base plate after fabrication, the anchors are integrated directly into the base plate structure during the precasting process. The base plate is cast with the anchors as integral parts, eliminating the need for post-casting welding operations. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the load distribution capability provided by multiple anchors.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system for joining a first precast concrete element to a second precast concrete element. The connection system comprises a precast element connector (3) and a connecting element, wherein the precast element connector (3) includes a base plate (4) and at least one casting anchor (5) connected to the base plate (4) for casting into the first precast concrete element. The base plate (4) lies in a base plane (E) and has a through-hole (6) for the connecting element (7). The cross-section of the through-hole (6) is larger than the cross-section of the connecting element. The connection system has positioning means (13) for freely positioning and for positively locking the connecting element, which passes through the through-hole (6), in all directions lying in the base plane (E) of the base plate (4).