Propeller Support for Reinforcement Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supports for reinforcement grids in concrete constructions are material-intensive, costly, and inefficient in allowing concrete flow, with designs that are not optimized for reduced carbon footprint and ease of distribution.
Innovation Solution
A support with a central hub and three upper support surfaces arranged in a propeller-like design, featuring curved surfaces and inclined outer wall sections, which are stackable and allow for easy concrete flow and distribution, covering an area larger than the reinforcement grid mesh without using excessive material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support uses a closed design with an outer enclosing wall, then the support provides structural stability, but the inflow of concrete into the support is restricted and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer enclosing wall is segmented into multiple wall sections with openings between them, transforming the closed structure into an open segmented structure that allows concrete flow while maintaining structural integrity through the hub connection
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with porosity by incorporating openings in the wall sections, allowing concrete to flow through and around the support while maintaining structural stability through the hub and spoke design
2Reliability
If the support uses a closed design with an outer enclosing wall, then the support provides structural stability, but the inflow of concrete into the support is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The outer enclosing wall is divided into multiple wall sections with openings between them, creating pathways for concrete flow while maintaining structural stability through the hub connection and distributed support surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The support surfaces are designed with curved geometries that facilitate concrete flow around and through the structure, with the hub and wall sections forming smooth transitions that guide concrete movement
3Reliability
If the support uses a large continuous upper support surface, then the support prevents passing through the reinforcement grid, but the support uses excessive material and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous upper support surface is segmented into multiple discrete support surfaces arranged around the hub, each surface being large enough to support the reinforcement grid while the spaces between them reduce material usage and allow concrete flow
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple discrete support surfaces are merged to form a collective support system that provides the same functional effect as a single large surface while using less material, with the hub providing central structural support
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Support (1) comprising a central hub (2) around which three upper support surfaces (3) are arranged, distal from the hub (2) and distal from each other in a common first plane (A). The upper support surfaces (3) are arranged to support a reinforcement grid (30). The support (1) further comprises a plurality of lower support surfaces (4), arranged in a common second plane (B), distant from the first plane (A) and distant from each other. These are arranged to be positioned on a ground surface (20). The support (1) further comprises a plurality of outer wall sections (5) which extends in an axial direction (Z) and connects lower support surfaces (4) with upper support surfaces (3), and the central hub (2) is connected to at least three of the plurality of outer wall sections (5) and/or at least three of the plurality of lower support surfaces (4).