Precast Panel Tongue-and-Groove Joint for Fast Load Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for constructing precast concrete panels face challenges in accurate positioning, laborious anchoring, and the inability to efficiently transfer tensile forces, leading to increased labor, material costs, and the need for additional reinforcement in wall structures.

Innovation Solution

The precast concrete panel design features tongues and grooves with a longitudinal furrow forming an open cavity, where an anchor pin is inserted and fixed with a quick-setting compound, eliminating the need for fixing spacers and allowing for direct transfer of tensile forces without additional reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional fixing spacers and anchoring methods are used to position panels vertically, then panel positioning stability is improved, but the construction process becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel positioning stabilityVSAvoidconstruction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tongue and groove structures are pre-formed on the panels during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site anchoring operations. The panels are prepared in advance with integrated positioning features that automatically engage during assembly, reducing both labor and time requirements while maintaining positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the separate fixing spacers and anchoring elements from the construction process. By integrating the positioning function directly into the panel structures themselves through tongues and grooves, the auxiliary fixing components are eliminated, simplifying the construction process while maintaining panel stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If metal meshes and grout concrete are used to transfer tensile forces between panels, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but wall thickness must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidwall thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the tongue and groove structures to form an integrated load-transfer system. The interlocking geometry of the engaged tongues and grooves directly transfers tensile forces between panels without requiring additional metal meshes or grout concrete, maintaining load-bearing capacity while reducing wall thickness requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue and groove structures serve as intermediary elements that directly transfer tensile forces between adjacent panels. These geometric features act as mechanical mediators that eliminate the need for separate reinforcement materials, efficiently transferring loads through the panel assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If traditional vertical joint construction with concrete pouring is used, then panel connection strength is improved, but additional technology and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel connection strengthVSAvoidconstruction technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the concrete pouring operation and associated formwork technology from the panel connection process. By using interlocking tongue and groove structures, the connection is achieved through mechanical engagement alone, eliminating the need for grout concrete and simplifying the construction technology required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue and groove structures are self-locking through their geometric design. When engaged, the features automatically secure the panels together without requiring additional materials or complex procedures, making the connection process self-sufficient and simplifying the overall construction technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables fast, accurate, and strong panel fixation, reducing material and labor costs, while allowing thinner panels to maintain load-bearing capacity without additional ring reinforcement, thus simplifying the construction process and reducing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

The anchor pin is fixed with a quick-setting compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuick-setting compound hardening: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3861179B1Precast concrete panel joining system, method of making a panel joint, panel joint obtained by the method
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 PPZS SRO
  • EP3861179B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3861179B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3861179B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

On the contact surfaces, the panel (1) is provided with tongues (2) and grooves (3) with a cavity (5) open from above. Inside the panel (1), there is an anchor (6) provided with jaws (8), which is provided with a recess (7) following the shape of the cavity (5). The anchor pin (11) is inserted into the cavity (5) and is poured over with a quick-setting fixative compound (12). The solution saves time during installation that does not require the use of fixing spacers (15), reduces the consumption of concrete, improves flatness of the walls made and reinforces the head portion of the panels (1) so that it is possible to bind the wall panels (1) directly to the ceiling structure without making reinforced concrete ring beams.