Self-Centring Rebar Coupler for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining reinforcing bars in concrete structures are labor-intensive, require perfect alignment, and result in material wastage and complexity due to the need for multiple components and large internal tolerances, which can lead to slippage and elongation issues, failing to meet stringent safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A compact self-centring rebar coupler with a one-piece non-rotating seating stud and an adjustable coupler member that aligns and locks opposing structural elements, reducing the number of parts and internal elongation, allowing for precise force transfer and alignment without the need for external supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the coupler, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased possibility of individual part failure and internal elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (seating stud, bearing surface, and coupler body) into a single integrated coupler unit. The seating stud is formed as an integral part of the coupler, eliminating separate parts that could fail independently. This integration directly addresses the reliability concern by reducing the number of potential failure points while maintaining manufacturability through single-piece construction or pre-assembled unitary structures.
2Ease of operation
If large internal tolerances are used to accommodate misalignment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inherent slippage and elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates a self-centring mechanism where the seating stud with its bearing surface automatically centers itself relative to the rebar during insertion. This self-alignment feature allows the coupler to accommodate misalignment without requiring large internal tolerances, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while still being easy to operate. The bearing surface on the seating stud guides the rebar into proper alignment automatically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seating stud is made as a separate adjustable component, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple parts and potential slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The seating stud is integrated as an integral part of the coupler body, eliminating the need for separate adjustable components. This merging reduces device complexity by removing multiple parts and their associated adjustment mechanisms. The adaptability is maintained through the bearing surface design that allows self-centering and the threaded portion that secures the rebar, providing necessary flexibility without requiring separate adjustable elements.
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 enables efficient and precise alignment and connection of reinforcing bars, reducing material wastage and labor, while meeting stringent safety standards by minimizing slippage and elongation, and allowing for the selective lifting or pushing apart of bars to adjust concrete structure positions.
Implementation Method 1
an adjusting coupler member (6) having an inner threaded wall and an outer threaded wall
Implementation Method 2
a one-piece, non-rotating seating stud (4) comprising a shank (4a) including an integral seating head (4b) with a centring protrusion (4d)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A self-centring compact coupler for lifting, jacking or pushing apart and positioning concrete elements via their reinforcement bars (rebar) comprising an adjusting coupler member screwed on a threaded post attached to one rebar to apply a lifting or pushing force against a non-adjustable seating stud with an integral seating head and centring protrusion fixed to a corresponding and opposite rebar. An enclosing coupler member screwed on the adjusting coupler member to enclose and lock the seating head and couple the rebar. The unitary configuration of the seating stud and seating head reduces the number of parts with the attendant possibility of individual component failure or slippage. The centring facility negates need of large internal tolerances to accommodate rebar misalignment, thus substantially ensuring co axial transfer of force from the coupler to the rebar. The coupler used to incrementally vary and accurately adjust the relative positions of the concrete elements to one another in the building process. A modified embodiment of and a method of use of the coupler.