Prefabricated Component Tensioning via Centroid Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

In prefabricated assembly technology, the uneven seam width between components due to inconsistent elastic reaction forces from rubber gaskets leads to quality degradation and assembly inaccuracies, as the centroid of reaction force often does not align with the geometric centroid, causing uneven compression and deformation.

Innovation Solution

A tensioning method based on centroid tracking and seam width control, which calculates the geometric and reaction force centroids of the rubber gasket, adjusts the tension forces of multiple Jacks in real-time to ensure even compression and consistent seam width, using a dynamic database to monitor and adjust the tension forces to align the reaction force centroid with the geometric centroid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If multi-point tension is applied using several Jacks to assemble prefabricated components, then the assembly force is sufficient to compress the rubber gasket and ensure waterproofing, but the seam width becomes uneven and the centroid of reaction force deviates from the geometric centroid, causing uneven compression and quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly forceVSAvoidseam width uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time monitoring of seam width at multiple positions along the joint between prefabricated components. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the tension force of each Jack, ensuring that the seam width remains uniform throughout the assembly process. The system continuously measures and adjusts, preventing centroid deviation and ensuring even compression of the rubber gasket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static tensioning to dynamic tensioning by enabling real-time adjustment of Jack forces based on actual seam width measurements. The system adapts the tension distribution during the assembly process, allowing the centroid of reaction force to track the geometric centroid dynamically, thereby maintaining uniform compression despite variations in component geometry or positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the tension force of Jacks is increased to ensure adequate compression of the rubber gasket, then waterproofing performance is improved, but the risk of component cracking due to collision and uneven compression increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidcomponent cracking risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different tension forces to different Jacks based on local conditions at each measurement position along the joint. Instead of uniform tensioning, the system adjusts each Jack's force individually to achieve uniform seam width, ensuring adequate compression for waterproofing while avoiding excessive force that could cause cracking. This localized control optimizes the balance between sealing performance and component safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the rubber gasket as a cushioning element that deforms progressively under controlled tension. By monitoring seam width in real-time and adjusting forces incrementally, the system allows the gasket to absorb and distribute compression forces evenly before reaching full tension, preventing sudden shocks that could cause component cracking while ensuring adequate sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time monitoring and inverse calculation are implemented to determine reaction force centroid, then assembly quality can be ensured, but the complexity of the tensioning system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly qualityVSAvoidmonitoring and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement and adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensing and computational control. Seam width is measured using sensors (such as laser scanners or displacement sensors), and the reaction force centroid is determined through inverse calculation based on these measurements. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic and computational methods achieves precise control while reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements an automated control system that performs real-time monitoring, inverse calculation, and force adjustment without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the tensioning process by continuously measuring seam width, calculating the required force distribution, and adjusting Jack forces automatically, thereby ensuring assembly quality while minimizing the need for complex manual operations.

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 method ensures even compression and consistent seam width across the assembly, improving assembly accuracy and construction quality of prefabricated components, enhancing the efficiency of the assembly process and applicable to various large-scale prefabricated structures.

Implementation Method 1

Under effect of the tensioning force of the assembly Jack, it can change shape following change of width of seam between the components. After rubber gaskets of the prefabricated components are in contact and compressed during assembling and tension process, it is required to ensure that the width of the seam between the assembled components is even, the rubber gasket is compressed evenly, with same elastic reaction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3868979B1Method for tensioning prefabricated component employing centroid tracking and seam width control
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 BEIJING URBAN CONSTRUCTION DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT GROUP CO LIMITED
  • EP3868979B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3868979B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP3868979B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4B

AI summary

Provided are a tensioning method of prefabricated component based on centroid tracking and seam width control, comprising: Step 1 of establishing a coordinate set Ω of center points of micro-segments of a centerline of a rubber gasket, and a coordinate set Π of center points of bolt hole positions; Step 2 of calculating to obtain a geometric centroid of the rubber gasket and a centroid of reaction force of the rubber gasket respectively; Step 3 of calculating a centroid of tension force of a Jack; Step 4 of performing tensioning on prefabricated components of assembly type based on the seam width control; Step 5 of performing tensioning on prefabricated components of assembly type based on the centroid tracking. The method can realize that when the prefabricated component is tensioned, the rubber gasket is evenly compressed, and width of seam of which is same at all positions of the seam. so as to improve assembly accuracy of large prefabricated components and construction quality of prefabricated structures of assembly type.