Precast Concrete Pipe Lifter Integrated Into Reinforcement Cage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving precast concrete pipes weaken the structure by creating holes for lifting, which can lead to leakage and structural weakness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lengthened portion of the reinforcement cage as a lifter within the concrete mold, allowing for safe and easy lifting, transportation, and placement of precast concrete pipes without the need for post-lifting hole plugging, thereby eliminating structural weaknesses and potential leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lifting holes are created in precast concrete pipes for transportation, then the pipes can be moved and installed, but the structural integrity is weakened and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting ports are pre-formed as integral parts of the pipe structure during the concrete casting process, rather than creating holes after the pipe is formed. This preliminary action allows the lifting features to be incorporated into the structural design, maintaining structural integrity while enabling lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting ports are merged with the pipe wall structure itself, forming a unified structural element. The lifting port walls are formed as continuous concrete structures that maintain the structural integrity of the pipe while providing the necessary lifting openings.
2Ease of operation
If lifting holes are created and later plugged, then lifting can be performed, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting ports are pre-formed during the initial concrete casting process, eliminating the need for subsequent hole creation and plugging operations. This preliminary formation of lifting features simplifies the overall manufacturing process and reduces the number of steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary steps of creating holes and subsequently plugging them are extracted from the process. The invention directly forms the final lifting port structure in one step during casting, removing the intermediate and redundant operations.
3Ease of operation
If separate lifting components are added to concrete pipes, then lifting is enabled, but the device complexity and potential leakage points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting ports are merged with the pipe wall to form an integral structural element. The concrete structure of the lifting port is continuous with the pipe wall, eliminating separate components and potential interfaces where leakage could occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting ports are formed using the same concrete material as the pipe body, creating a homogeneous composite structure. This ensures consistent material properties and eliminates interfaces between different materials that could be sources of leakage.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a concrete apparatus with incorporated lifter are provided. A concrete apparatus is formed by placing a reinforcement system in a mold. The reinforcement system comprises a lifter. Concrete is poured into the mold such that the lifter protrudes from the poured concrete. After the concrete has hardened and the mold is removed, the lifter is used to carry and position the concrete apparatus. After the concrete apparatus is positioned, the lifter is removed at the circumference of the concrete apparatus leaving no holes, thereby eliminating water leakage due to lifting methods.