Rotational Lock Connector for Stronger Cellular Confinement Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for expanded cellular confinement structures are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often require power equipment, which can be challenging in certain terrains and environments. Additionally, these devices provide weak structural connections and are non-durable.

Innovation Solution

A connection device featuring an insertion member with barbs, an integral shank, and a handle member, designed to fasten two expanded cellular confinement structures together by aligning open slots and inserting the insertion member through them, with the shank extending through the overlap region and the handle member providing rotational locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional connection devices (staples, wires, cable ties) are used to connect cellular confinement structures, then the connection can be established, but the connection strength is weak and the installation is labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device incorporates a rotation mechanism that transforms the insertion member from an initial orientation to a locked orientation through rotational movement. This dynamic action allows the barbs to engage with the confinement structure walls, creating a strong mechanical interlock that prevents withdrawal while maintaining rapid installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the orientation parameter of the insertion member relative to the shank during rotation. The insertion member rotates from a first orientation where barbs are retracted to a second orientation where barbs engage with the confinement structure, transforming the connection state from unsecured to locked

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If power equipment (generators, air compressors) is used for connection devices, then stronger connections can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is designed to create strong mechanical connections through manual insertion and rotation actions without requiring external power sources. The user's manual effort is sufficient to drive the insertion member through the confinement structure and rotate it into the locked position, making the device self-sufficient and eliminating the need for generators or air compressors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex powered mechanical systems with a simple manual operation system. Instead of using powered staplers, wire feeders, or cable tie dispensers, the device uses a straightforward insert-and-rotate mechanism that achieves strong connections through pure mechanical action by the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual connection methods are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the installation time and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device separates the connection function into two distinct operational phases: insertion and rotation. The insertion member is segmented from the shank and handle, allowing it to be pushed through the confinement structure first, then rotated independently into the locked position. This segmentation enables rapid sequential operations that reduce installation time while keeping the device simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion member is designed with pre-formed barbs that are initially positioned to minimize resistance during insertion. Once the insertion member passes through the confinement structure, the rotation action positions the barbs to engage with the walls, creating the locked connection. This preliminary positioning of barbs during insertion prepares the device for rapid locking without requiring additional steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12320088B2Connection device for fastening expanded cell confinement structures and methods for doing the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK N A AS SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT & COLLATERAL AGENT

AI summary

A connection device for fastening two expanded cellular confinement structures includes: an insertion member; an integral shank extending perpendicular from the insertion member; and an integral handle member extending perpendicular from the shank at an end of the shank remote from the insertion member. One or more barbs may project from the insertion member. The device can have a washer section between the handle member and insertion member. The handle can be curved, or it can be in the shape of a polygon.