Reusable Height Adjuster for Concrete Joint Edge Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint edge assemblies for concrete floors suffer from excessive joint opening, leading to damage from vehicle wheels, filler material leakage, and high costs due to non-reusable formwork, which complicates maintenance and increases repair expenses.
Innovation Solution
A joint edge assembly featuring elongated joint rail members with connectors and anchors that self-release under concrete shrinkage, a reusable height adjuster, and attachment plates to manage joint opening and prevent filler leakage, along with a reusable base that allows for adjustable positioning and reduces material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional non-reusable formwork is used for joint edge assemblies, then joint edges can be protected during concrete pouring, but material costs increase and maintenance becomes more expensive due to disposal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by designing a formwork system that can be removed and reused. The formwork includes removable components such as the joint edge member with anchors that can be extracted from cured concrete slabs and reused in subsequent installations, thereby reducing material waste and disposal costs while maintaining joint edge protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork system is designed with universal applicability through standardized components that can be used across multiple installations. The joint edge member, anchors, and associated formwork elements are designed as reusable modules that can be applied to various joint configurations, reducing the need for disposable specialized formwork while ensuring reliable joint edge protection
2Reliability
If joint edges are allowed to open freely during concrete shrinkage, then concrete blocks can shrink without damage, but vehicle wheels can impact the joint edges causing spalling and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the joint edge member and anchors before concrete pouring. The anchors are embedded in the concrete while it cures, creating a permanent attachment system that will later prevent vehicle wheels from impacting the joint edges. This preliminary setup ensures both shrinkage accommodation and impact protection without requiring additional measures after the concrete hardens
Solution Approach 2:
The joint edge member serves as an intermediary element between the concrete slabs and the external environment. It provides a protective interface that allows the joint to open during shrinkage while preventing vehicle wheels from directly impacting the concrete edges. The member acts as a mediator that accommodates movement on one side while providing protection on the other
3Reliability
If joint opening is not controlled, then concrete shrinkage is accommodated, but filler material leaks from the joint and vehicle tires engage the joint causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The joint edge member acts as an intermediary barrier that controls joint opening. It allows the joint to expand during concrete shrinkage while maintaining a physical barrier that prevents filler material from leaking out. The member mediates between the need for movement accommodation and the need to contain filler material within the joint space
4Loss of substance
If reusable formwork components are implemented, then material costs and maintenance expenses are reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional components like height adjusters and attachment plates
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system is segmented into distinct reusable components including the joint edge member, anchors, attachment plates, and height adjusters. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, reused, and maintained, reducing overall material consumption while making the complexity manageable through modular design. Each segment serves a specific function and can be reused across multiple installations
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provides a joint edge assembly and a reusable multiple position height adjuster and method of positioning and installing joint edge assembly and the reusable multiple position height adjuster for forming two adjacent concrete slabs and a joint between such adjacent concrete slabs.