Prefabricated Bracket Assembly for PC Beam Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for joining PC beams to SRC columns require multiple bolting joints at heights, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and safety risks due to the complexity and height of the construction process.

Innovation Solution

A prefabricated bracket assembly integrated into a prefabricated column assembly, formed in a U shape with an open top portion, which includes horizontal steel members, second connecting bars, lightweight permanent formworks, and a mounting bar, allowing for easy connection and joining of PC beams with concrete pouring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple bolting joints are used to join PC beams to SRC columns, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and construction time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidjoining process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bracket assembly with the prefabricated column assembly into a single integrated unit. The bracket is pre-assembled on the column at the factory with all necessary bolting joints and connection components, eliminating the need for multiple separate joining operations at the construction site. This integration maintains connection strength while significantly reducing on-site complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly is prepared in advance at the factory, with all connection components, bolting joints, and alignment features pre-installed and pre-positioned. This preliminary action ensures that when the prefabricated column assembly arrives at the construction site, the joining process is simplified to a single, straightforward operation rather than multiple complex steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple bolting joints are used to join PC beams to SRC columns, then the connection reliability is improved, but the construction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

All connection components and bolting joints are pre-assembled and pre-positioned at the factory during bracket manufacturing. This ensures connection reliability is established under controlled factory conditions, while the on-site construction time is reduced because no complex assembly operations are needed during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly integrates multiple connection functions into a single pre-assembled unit. Instead of performing multiple separate bolting operations at the construction site, the integrated design allows the entire connection system to be installed in one operation, maintaining reliability while reducing construction time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If H-beam column and bracket are provided inside the prefabricated column assembly, then the connection capability is improved, but the amount of steel members increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidamount of steel members
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The H-beam column and bracket are merged into a single integrated prefabricated column assembly. The bracket is welded or bolted directly to the H-beam column at the factory, creating a unified structural element. This integration maintains full connection capability while reducing the total amount of steel required, as the components work together as a coordinated system rather than separate elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated prefabricated column assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the H-beam column provides structural support, while the integrated bracket provides beam connection capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components, reducing the overall quantity of steel members while maintaining connection versatility.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If H-beam column and bracket are provided inside the prefabricated column assembly, then the joining function is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The H-beam column and bracket are manufactured and assembled together at the factory in a controlled environment. This integration allows for optimized steel usage, efficient welding or bolting operations, and quality control measures that reduce overall manufacturing costs compared to producing separate components that would require additional handling, shipping, and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is pre-assembled on the H-beam column at the factory with all connection components and alignment features. This preliminary action allows for precise fabrication and quality control under factory conditions, reducing the need for expensive on-site adjustments and rework, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining joining function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12276104B1Prefabricated bracket assembly integrated to prefabricated column assembly for connecting PC beams
Publication Date: 2025.04.15 SENVEX
  • US12276104B1 patent drawing
  • US12276104B1 patent drawing
  • US12276104B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a prefabricated bracket assembly integrated into a prefabricated column assembly for connecting PC beams, the end portions of PC beams being placed inside the prefabricated bracket assembly that is assembled on top of the prefabricated column assembly, into which concrete is poured so as to connect the PC beams and the prefabricated bracket assembly, thereby facilitating the connection of the PC beams to a factory-made prefabricated column assembly and allowing cost reduction.