Radial Tension Device for Threaded Rods in Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tension devices for threaded rods require a large axial space, making them unsuitable for applications with small space requirements, such as in the nuclear, building, or wind energy sectors, where a compact solution is needed to maintain a high prestress load.
Innovation Solution
A tension device with a radial assembly configuration, featuring a cylinder, piston, tubular skirt, and tie with semicylindrical parts, utilizing centring and fixing mechanisms like screws and magnetized washers, allows for assembly around the threaded rod, reducing the axial dimension and enabling operation in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional axial assembly configuration is used for the tension device, then the actuator can effectively prestress the threaded rod, but the device requires a large axial space that cannot accommodate small space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from an axial assembly configuration to a radial assembly configuration. The tie and tubular skirt are assembled radially around the threaded rod rather than axially, which reduces the axial dimension from tens of centimeters to a few centimeters while maintaining the prestressing capability through the radial arrangement of components
Solution Approach 2:
The tie and tubular skirt are divided into semicylindrical parts that can be assembled radially around the threaded rod. This segmentation allows the components to be positioned in a radial configuration rather than axial, enabling compact axial dimensions while preserving the mechanical function of transmitting prestressing forces
2Length of moving object
If the tie and tubular skirt are assembled radially around the threaded rod, then the axial space requirement is reduced to fit tight spaces, but additional centring and fixing mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The semicylindrical parts incorporate self-centring features through their geometry and assembly interfaces. The radial assembly configuration allows the components to naturally align and centre around the threaded rod during assembly, reducing the need for complex external centring mechanisms while maintaining positional accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces magnetized washers as an intermediary fixing mechanism between the semicylindrical parts. These washers provide a simple yet effective means of securing the radial assembly without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems, thereby controlling assembly complexity while enabling the compact radial configuration
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 device effectively prestresses threaded rods in confined spaces while maintaining a high residual prestress load of 2000 kN, allowing for assembly in environments with limited space, such as a 32 mm space requirement for a 76 mm diameter rod.
Implementation Method 1
an annular chamber supplied with fluid under pressure
Implementation Method 2
The means for fixing the two skirt parts comprise, for example, means made of magnetized material fixed on each of the planar axial surfaces of one of the skirt parts
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for tensioning a threaded rod (2) comprising an actuator (5) able to exert an axial tensile force on the threaded rod (2) with respect to a structure (4) to be tensioned, the said tension device (1) comprising a cylinder (8), a piston (9), a tubular skirt (7) in contact with the cylinder (8) and a surface (4a) of the said structure (4) to be tensioned, and a tie (6) for transmitting the axial tensile force of the actuator (5) towards an end (2a) of the threaded rod (2). The tie (6) and the tubular skirt (7) each comprise at least two semicylindrical parts (14, 15; 30, 31) each having two substantially planar axial surfaces (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b; 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b), the two axial surfaces (14a, 14b; 32a, 32b) of one semicylindrical part (14, 30) being joined radially respectively with one of the two axial surfaces (15a, 15b; 33a, 33b) of the other semicylindrical part (15, 31), so as to form a part of revolution.