Self-Gripping Rebar Coupler for No-Slip Single-Person Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rebar coupling methods require excessive manual labor, heavy equipment, and pose safety risks, particularly in demanding construction situations, with issues such as slip, detachment, and non-compliance with stringent regulatory standards like ACC133 and CT670.
Innovation Solution
A rebar coupler with a two or three primary body configuration, featuring a male and female threaded housing, internal cylinder, tightening members, and elastic support rings, that creates a secure, slip-resistant connection using an opposing force mechanism, eliminating the need for separate couplers and heavy equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rebar coupling methods (welding, mechanical jointing, twisting) are used, then rebar connections can be achieved, but excessive manual labor, heavy equipment, and safety risks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into multiple functional components: external housing with threaded bores, internal cylinder, tightening members (wedges), and elastic support rings. Each component performs a specific function in the gripping and tightening process, making the overall system easier to operate while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler uses self-gripping tightening members that automatically engage and grip the rebar when the external housing is rotated. The elastic support rings provide automatic radial expansion force, and the tapered surfaces create self-locking action, eliminating the need for heavy external equipment and excessive manual labor
2Reliability
If heavy equipment and complex coupling mechanisms are used, then rebar coupling can be achieved, but safety risks to construction workers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate heavy coupling equipment by integrating all coupling functions into a single handheld device. The coupler contains its own tightening mechanism, gripping elements, and force application system, removing the need for external heavy equipment that poses safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support rings act as intermediaries that provide radial expansion force to the tightening members, mediating between the rotational input and the gripping action on the rebar. This intermediary mechanism enables safe, controlled coupling without requiring excessive force or heavy equipment
3Ease of operation
If traditional rebar coupling methods are used, then connections can be made, but slip and detachment occur under cyclic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler employs dynamic tightening members that can adjust and maintain grip under varying loads. The elastic support rings provide continuous radial expansion force that compensates for load variations, preventing slip under cyclic loading while keeping the device simple to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered surfaces of the tightening members and internal cylinder create a mechanical feedback system where any attempted slip generates increased gripping force through the elastic support rings, automatically counteracting slip tendencies without requiring complex control mechanisms
4Reliability
If multiple bolts and complex clamping mechanisms are used, then rebar ends can be secured, but device complexity and manual labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (clamping, tightening, locking, and force application) into a single integrated coupler body with internal mechanisms. The external housing, internal cylinder, tightening members, and elastic support rings work together as one unified device, eliminating the need for separate bolts and complex clamping mechanisms while maintaining securing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed as a universal device that can secure rebar ends through multiple simultaneous mechanisms: friction grip from the tightening members, mechanical interlocking from the tapered surfaces, and radial expansion from the elastic support rings. This multi-functionality achieves reliable securing with a single device rather than multiple components
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 rebar coupler minimizes slip, reduces manual labor, enhances structural integrity, and meets stringent regulatory standards, ensuring safety and efficiency in rebar connections.
Implementation Method 1
an inner aspect of each of the elastic support rings forms an abutting surface against an outer aspect of each of the tightening members so as to provide radial expansion force upon each of the tightening members
Implementation Method 2
at least one spring extending through the internal cylinder
Implementation Method 3
an outer aspect of each of the tightening members forms a tapered surface in opposition to a corresponding inner tapered surface of the internal cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an improved rebar coupler designed to simplify joining rebar while minimizing slippage. It features a male and female threaded external housing, an internal cylinder, springs, and tightening members with wedges. The coupler creates an opposing force to lock rebar securely, addressing challenges in existing methods. Available in two-piece and three-piece configurations, it accommodates various rebar sizes without modification. The design allows for single-person operation, reduces manual labor, and enhances structural integrity. The rebar coupler meets stringent standards like CalTrans CT670, offering advantages over existing products by eliminating heavy equipment needs and complex installation procedures.