Telescopic Connecting Device for Concrete Slab Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting devices for concrete slabs often have inadequate pull-out strength and require complex, time-consuming assembly processes, especially for high-height applications, which can lead to increased costs and longer construction times.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device with pre-cast coupling elements, such as protruding rods or plates, and a telescopic bridging element that allows for adjustable alignment and filling with a flowable casting compound, enabling a stable and quick mechanical connection between concrete slabs without the need for complex assembly aids or extensive crane work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple anchor screws with expansion heads are used for connecting concrete slabs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pull-out strength becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting device structureVSAvoidpull-out strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device combines multiple materials and components: a first coupling device with anchoring elements (protruding rods, plates, or claws) made of metal, a second coupling device with a bore and threading, and a bridging element. This composite structure achieves high pull-out strength by distributing loads across multiple anchoring points and material interfaces, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device is divided into distinct functional segments: the first coupling device embedded in the first concrete slab, the second coupling device embedded in the second concrete slab, and the bridging element connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and high pull-out strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If individually custom-made support shoes and support brackets are used to achieve required static properties, then the pull-out strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull-out strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is designed as a universal system that can be applied to various concrete slab connections. The first coupling device with multiple anchoring elements (protruding rods, plates, or claws) and the second coupling device with a bore and threading form a standardized interface that can accommodate different loading conditions and slab configurations, eliminating the need for custom-made components for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second coupling devices are pre-installed and embedded in the concrete slabs during the concrete pouring process. This preliminary action allows the coupling devices to be positioned accurately and integrated into the concrete structure before the actual connection is made, reducing the need for costly custom fabrication and on-site adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex assembly aids such as welding machines or means of transport for flow concrete are used, then the connection stability is improved, but the assembly time and equipment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is designed to be self-assembling using simple screwing tools. The second coupling device is screwed into the first coupling device, and the bridging element is inserted to complete the connection. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex assembly aids like welding machines or specialized transport equipment for flow concrete, significantly reducing assembly time and equipment requirements while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical assembly processes (welding, pouring flow concrete) with a simpler screwing and insertion process. The threaded connection between the second coupling device and the first coupling device, combined with the bridging element, provides stable mechanical connection without requiring welding machines or complex transport equipment, thus reducing assembly time and equipment needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Strength

If conventional connecting devices are used for high-height concrete walls, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the crane work time and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiderection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second coupling devices are pre-installed and embedded in the concrete slabs during the concrete pouring process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site installation of connecting devices, allowing for rapid assembly of high-height concrete walls by simply connecting the pre-prepared coupling devices with simple screwing tools, thus improving productivity without compromising connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device is designed to be self-assembling using simple screwing tools, eliminating the need for complex assembly aids and extensive crane work. The standardized interface and simple connection process enable rapid erection of high-height concrete walls, significantly improving productivity while maintaining sufficient connection strength through the multi-component design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution provides a highly stable, efficient, and cost-effective method for connecting concrete slabs, allowing for rapid assembly of high-height concrete walls with reduced production costs and shorter construction times, while compensating for tolerances and ensuring robustness and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

at least one screw bolt (7), which is provided for establishing a permanent screw connection between the first and further coupling devices (5, 6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

High pull-out strengths against the concrete of the concrete slabs can be achieved in a simple manner by means of sufficiently dimensioned reinforcement and anchoring elements on the corresponding coupling elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

anchoring elements on the corresponding coupling elements, for example in the form of protruding rods, plates or claws

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3009575B1Connecting device for mechanically coupling concrete slabs, and concrete wall constructed with same
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 KAPPA FILTER SYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP3009575B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3009575B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3009575B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for the mechanical coupling of precast concrete panels for concrete walls (4). The connecting device (1) comprises a first coupling device (5), which is designed for casting or integrating into a first concrete panel (2), and at least one further coupling device (6) corresponding to the first coupling device (5), which is provided for casting or integrating into a further concrete panel (3) to be placed adjacent to the first concrete panel (2). In addition, at least one bolt is provided, which serves to establish a screw connection between the first and further coupling devices (5, 6).Between the first and the further coupling device (5, 6) a telescopic or adjustable-length bridging element (8) is formed, which bridging element (8) is provided for insertion by means of at least one screw bolt in the direction of telescoping or longitudinal variability of the bridging element (8). A space between the outer surface of the screw bolt and inner boundary surfaces of the bridging element (8) is provided for at least partial filling with a gradually hardening, flowable potting compound.