Segmented Anchoring Bar for Waterproofing Liners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring and tensioning systems for waterproofing liners in hydraulic works are prone to deformation under external forces, leading to potential tears, water seepage, and hydrodynamic losses, and require complex perforation processes that can be hindered by obstacles, increasing costs and time.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a locking assembly with differently thick section bars, where the lower section bar is anchored with multiple sets of holes to avoid obstacles and the upper section bar is thicker for enhanced strength, allowing for efficient water sealing and reduced deformation risks, without the need for a coverage strip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional anchoring systems use single-hole section bars, then the structure is simpler, but the system is prone to deformation under external forces and requires complex perforation processes that can be hindered by obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring system structureVSAvoidresistance to deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lower section bar is divided into multiple segments with multiple sets of holes instead of a single hole. Each set contains multiple holes arranged in different positions, allowing the anchoring system to be segmented into multiple potential anchoring points. This segmentation enables alternative anchoring paths when obstacles are present while maintaining structural integrity and resistance to deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The section bar design changes the parameter of hole quantity from single to multiple, and the parameter of bar thickness varies along different sections. The lower section bar has multiple sets of holes with different positions, and the upper section bar has increased thickness in critical areas. These parameter changes enhance reliability by providing multiple anchoring options and increased structural strength without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the upper section bar is made thicker for enhanced strength, then the resistance to deformation improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupper section bar strengthVSAvoidsection bar structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper section bar is designed with non-uniform thickness, having increased thickness specifically in the central region where it contacts the waterproofing liner and experiences concentrated stress. The thickness gradually reduces toward the ends. This local quality approach provides enhanced strength exactly where needed to resist deformation from external forces like water pressure and wave action, while avoiding unnecessary material and complexity in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of holes are provided in the lower section bar, then the ability to avoid obstacles during perforation improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle avoidance capabilityVSAvoidsection bar fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lower section bar with multiple sets of holes is designed as a universal component that can be used in various anchoring scenarios regardless of obstacle location. The multiple hole sets provide multiple potential anchoring points that can accommodate different field conditions. This multi-functional design allows the same standardized component to adapt to various situations, and the holes can be selectively used based on where obstacles are encountered during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If anchor devices are inserted through depth perforations, then the anchoring strength improves, but the time and costs increase when obstacles are encountered during perforation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidperforation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lower section bar is pre-manufactured with multiple sets of holes at predetermined positions before installation. This preliminary action of providing pre-positioned holes eliminates the need for field workers to perform complex depth perforations through obstacles. During installation, workers can simply select the appropriate pre-drilled hole that is accessible and insert the anchor device, significantly reducing installation time and cost while still achieving deep anchoring strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10787782B2Method and device for the laying down of a geomembrane

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 CARPI TECH BV

AI summary

A method and a device for laying down and sealingly anchoring a waterproofing liner of a synthetic material, on a surface of a hydraulic work, by a plurality of anchoring assemblies each including a lower and an upper metal sections configured with a raised part and side sloping walls, wherein the lower metal section bar has a set of anchoring holes at a plurality of axially spaced anchoring zones; the surface of the hydraulic work is marked with a set of reference marks at a plurality of fastening zones, corresponding to the set of anchoring holes of the lower section bar; each lower section bar is fastened to the hydraulic work by anchoring devices threaded into an anchoring hole of a respective anchoring zone of the lower section bar, and into a perforation of the hydraulic work provided at one of the set of reference marks at each fastening zone.