Sheathing Retaining Anchor With Compression Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming dead-end anchors in post-tension systems do not effectively address the retention of tendon sheathing, leading to potential shrinkage and corrosion issues, and require manual positioning of wedges, which is cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sheathing retaining anchor with a tapered and constant diameter bore, where a sheathing lock and wedges are used to securely affix the tendon and its sheathing within the anchor, utilizing a compression mechanism to eliminate manual wedge placement and prevent buckling, and a polymeric sheathing lock with ribs to seal and retain the sheathing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of wedges is used in current anchor formation methods, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but the operation becomes cumbersome and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism automatically positions and secures the wedges within the anchor bore through mechanical compression, eliminating the need for manual wedge placement. The system self-regulates the compression force to ensure reliable anchoring without requiring operator intervention for precise wedge positioning.
2Device complexity
If sheathing retention is not addressed in current anchor methods, then the anchor structure remains simple, but shrinkage and corrosion issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sheathing lock is nested within the anchor structure, with the tendon sheathing passing through the lock mechanism. The sheathing lock features an internal cavity that receives and secures the sheathing, creating a nested configuration where the lock is housed within the anchor bore and the sheathing is retained within the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheathing lock is formed from a polymeric material that provides flexible yet secure retention of the tendon sheathing. The polymeric structure allows for slight deformation to accommodate the sheathing while maintaining a tight fit that prevents shrinkage and corrosion.
3Reliability
If a sheathing lock and compression mechanism are added to the anchor system, then reliable sheathing retention and automated wedge positioning are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheathing lock and wedge positioning functions are merged into a single integrated anchor assembly. The compression mechanism simultaneously performs both the wedge positioning and sheathing lock engagement operations, combining multiple functions into one coordinated system that reduces overall complexity despite adding capabilities.
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 method provides a secure, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solution for retaining tendons and their sheathing within anchors, preventing shrinkage and corrosion, while eliminating the need for manual wedge placement and ensuring a reliable interference fit.
Implementation Method 1
applying pressure against the end of the tendon in axial alignment with the tendon
Implementation Method 2
The wedges and the tendon are drawn into interference-fit relationship with the cavity
Implementation Method 3
The tubular body is interposed between a wall of the bore against the sheathed portion so that the plurality of ribs engage the sheathed portion
Implementation Method 4
The cavity has a tapered portion and a constant diameter portion. The tapered portion has a wide end facing the compression mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a sheathing retaining anchor of a post-tension anchor system includes the steps of: forming an anchor having a bore where the bore has a tapered portion and a constant diameter portion, inserting an end of a tendon through the bore of the anchor so that the end of the tendon extends outwardly of tapered portion of the bore of the anchor, positioning a sheathing lock on the end of the sheathed portion or a tendon, placing a pair of wedges on the unsheathed portion of the tendon, and moving the sheathing lock and the pair of wedges into the bore of the anchor so that the sheathing lock affixes the end of the sheathed portion within the bore and so that the pair of wedges affixes the unsheathed portion within the bore.