Segmented Rebar Coupler Assembly for High-Strength Bar Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rebar couplers face issues such as damage to reinforcing bars during connection, high manufacturing costs, complex assembly processes, and susceptibility to loosening under tensile, compressive stress, impact, or vibration due to inadequate binding forces and deformation.

Innovation Solution

A rebar coupler design featuring radially arranged segments with a spiral shape and a spacer system that allows for easy connection and maintenance, utilizing sleeves to generate binding force and prevent deformation, with compression protrusions and an elastic spacer for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional rebar couplers use threading or welding methods to connect reinforcing bars, then connection strength is improved, but the reinforcing bars are damaged or durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddurability of reinforcing bar

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (threading, welding) with a compression-based mechanical coupling system. The coupler uses compression force applied through its body to press the reinforcing bars together, eliminating the need for threading or welding that damage the bars. This substitution maintains connection strength while preserving the integrity and durability of the reinforcing bars.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If rebar coupler uses multiple parts for connection, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated coupler body. The coupler incorporates compression application surfaces, structural elements for force distribution, and connection features all within one component. This merging reduces the number of parts needed, simplifies assembly procedures, lowers manufacturing costs, while maintaining reliable connection through the integrated design that ensures proper force distribution and bar alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If rebar coupler uses simple structure for easy assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but binding force is insufficient under tensile and compressive stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidbinding force

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved or inclined compression application surfaces within the coupler body. These curved surfaces distribute the compression force applied to the coupler evenly across the reinforcing bars, converting axial compression into radial pressure that generates strong binding force. This curved geometry enables the simple, quick-assembly coupler to achieve high binding strength under both tensile and compressive stresses while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Strength

If rebar coupler segments are pressed closely together, then binding force is improved, but deformation and bulging occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding forceVSAvoidsegment deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pre-formed recesses or grooves in the coupler segments that are designed to accommodate and control the deformation that occurs during compression. These pre-designed features guide the deformation in predetermined patterns that maintain the overall structural integrity and prevent harmful bulging. By anticipating and preparing for the deformation through preliminary design of the segment geometry, the coupler achieves high binding force while controlling shape changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the connection process, and effectively prevents loosening under various stresses and vibrations, ensuring durability and efficient assembly of reinforced structures.

Implementation Method 1

the spacer being made of elastic synthetic resin and having an elastic restoring force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

generate a binding force by pressing an outer surface of a reinforcing bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression force: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11242683B2Reinforcing bar coupler

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 JEIL WIRE PRODN CO LTD

AI summary

A rebar coupler that includes a plurality of segments having the same shape and radially arranged, the segments being seated on outer surfaces of a pair of reinforcing bars with ends of the reinforcing bars simultaneously accommodated therein, a spacer configured to accommodate the segments therein and support them while spacing the segments at regular intervals, and a pair of sleeves configured to press the outer surfaces of the reinforcing bars against inner peripheral surfaces of the segments by allowing the segments to be close to each other when the sleeves approach each other.