Protective Flanges and Load Pads for Securing Concrete Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tie-down systems are inadequate for securing large construction structures like pre-stressed concrete during transportation, often resulting in structural damage and costly losses due to inadequate frictional resistance, leading to accidents and disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
A controlled pressure friction base fastening fixture comprising rigid square hollow outer tubes with slideable inner tubes, protective flanges, and compressible load pads to secure large construction loads without damaging them, utilizing adjustable load chains to enhance frictional resistance and prevent shifting or falling during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chain or strap tie-down systems are used to secure large construction structures, then the load can be restrained from shifting, but the structures are damaged due to direct contact with the tie-down elements and inadequate frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protective pads made of rubber, plastic, or foam material as intermediary elements between the tie-down chains and the concrete structure. These pads distribute the clamping force over a larger surface area, preventing localized stress concentrations that would cause chipping or cracking of the concrete edges while still providing effective restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the contact interface by using compliant padding materials instead of rigid metal chains directly contacting the concrete. This transforms the stress distribution from concentrated point loads to distributed area loads, and the padding materials deform to conform to the concrete surface, enhancing both protection and frictional resistance.
2Device complexity
If friction between the trailer and construction structure is relied upon as the primary securing means, then the structure can be secured without additional tie-downs, but the frictional resistance is insufficient and the load can fall off during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple securing mechanisms into a single integrated system: the tie-down chains provide longitudinal restraint, the protective pads increase frictional resistance through larger contact area and material compliance, and the combined system works synergistically to prevent both shifting and falling of the load during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining metal chains for structural strength and restraint with rubber, plastic, or foam padding materials for friction enhancement and edge protection. This composite approach creates a multi-functional tie-down system that addresses multiple securing requirements simultaneously.
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
The solution provides a reliable and safer means to secure large construction loads, preventing damage and accidents by increasing frictional resistance between the load and trailer, ensuring secure transport without harming the structure, and reducing disposal costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing adjustable load chains to enhance frictional resistance and prevent shifting or falling during transport
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing construction structure loads to a trailer for transportation which employs adjustable tubes, tie down chains, chain binders, load pads and protective flanges. The load pads being the apparatus for transferring the tie down forces to the construction structure load and trailer bed without damaging the load. The protective flanges being the apparatus for preventing the load chains from damaging the edges of the construction structure load when the load is secured. The apparatus is placed on the top of a load with the load chains secured to the trailer at a vertical angle. The chain binders being the apparatus to tighten down on the load creating greater clamping force between the load and the trailer bed.