Retrofit Connection Assembly for Slab Levelling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lifting and levelling devices embedded in precast slabs are insufficient for complex geometries and often fail due to spoilage, necessitating a more reliable solution for lifting and levelling slabs.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly that can be retrofitted to hardened slabs, comprising a first and second connection part with clamping members and hollow-tubular structures, allowing for the attachment of bolts for lifting or levelling without embedding devices during casting, enabling adjustment and reuse of slabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lifting and levelling devices are embedded in precast slabs during casting, then the slabs can be lifted and levelled during installation, but the devices often become spoilt (e.g., threaded bolts cannot be attached, wet concrete prevents bolt attachment)
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into separate components: a first connection part with a first clamping member and first hollow-tubular-connecting-structure, and a second connection part with a second clamping member and second hollow-tubular-connecting-structure. These separate parts can be retrofitted to the slab after casting, avoiding the spoilage issues of embedded devices while maintaining lifting and levelling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly is designed to be retrofitted to the hardened slab surface after casting, rather than being embedded during casting. This preliminary action of preparing the connection assembly separately allows it to be attached to the finished slab, eliminating the problem of wet concrete interfering with bolt attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If precast slabs are cut into smaller slabs to accommodate complex geometries, then the slabs can fit the required shapes, but the remaining conventional lifting and levelling devices (three or less) are insufficient for safe lifting and levelling
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly provides universal lifting and levelling capability that can be applied to slabs of any size or geometry. By retrofitting the complete connection assembly (first and second connection parts) to the slab surface, the system ensures sufficient attachment points for safe lifting and levelling operations regardless of how the slab has been cut or shaped.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard-sized precast slabs are cut into smaller slabs for on-site geometry adjustments, then the slabs can accommodate complex geometries, but material wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly allows for dynamic adjustment and reconfiguration of lifting and levelling points on the slab surface. This flexibility enables the use of smaller, cut slabs more efficiently by allowing repositioning of connection points, thereby reducing material wastage while maintaining adaptability to various geometries.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a connection assembly for connecting a bolt to a slab 10 may be provided. The connection assembly may include a first connection part and a second connection part. The first connection part and the second connection part may be capable of being assembled to the slab in a manner so as to sandwich the slab with a first clamping member of the first connection part and a second clamping member of the second connection part between two opposite surfaces of the slab. The first connection 15 part and the second connection part may be connected in a manner such that a connection between a first hollow-tubular-connecting-structure of the first connection part and a second hollow-tubular-connecting-structure of the second connection part may be within a through-hole in the slab, which extends between the two opposite surfaces of the slab.