Wedge Anchor Force Transmission in Precast Concrete

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting precast concrete elements, such as those using steel brackets or sleeves, often result in suboptimal load transfer and complex constructions due to geometric limitations and the risk of technical defects during installation.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring wedge-shaped anchor elements with inclined sloping sections that distribute forces conically within the concrete, allowing for precise and concentrated force transmission without additional reinforcement, and a connecting element with adjustable height and optional elastic elements for sound insulation and fire protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If steel stirrups are used to anchor connecting elements into precast concrete elements, then anchoring is achieved, but the geometry and predetermined bending radii prevent optimal load transfer and complicate installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload transfer efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor element is divided into distinct functional segments: a straight section for embedding in concrete, an inclined section for force transfer, and a bearing section for connecting to the connecting element. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function optimally without the geometric constraints of bent stirrups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using bent stirrups that curve around the connecting element, the invention inverts the approach by using a straight anchor element with an inclined section that transfers forces directly into the concrete at optimized angles, eliminating the need for complex bending geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If bent steel stirrups with predetermined bending radii are used, then anchoring is achieved, but optimal load transfer is prevented and technical defects risk increases due to insufficient concrete cover

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidinstallation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor element features local geometric optimization with an inclined section specifically designed to transfer forces into the concrete at optimal angles. This local quality enhancement ensures maximum force transmission efficiency while maintaining sufficient concrete cover, eliminating the blanket geometric constraints of predetermined bending radii.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If forces are transferred through a few points at intersections between plates and anchoring pins, then connection is achieved, but complex overall design is required and force distribution is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidforce distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from point-based force transfer (at plate-pin intersections) to area-based force distribution through the inclined section of the anchor element. This dimensional change allows forces to be distributed across a larger area of concrete, improving overall force distribution while simplifying the design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If connecting elements are recessed into sleeves within supported elements, then assembly is enabled in difficult areas, but the connecting element requires pulling out and installation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the connecting element from the sleeve after positioning, allowing the sleeve to remain embedded in the concrete while the connecting element is pulled out and used to support the component. This separation simplifies installation by eliminating the need to maneuver the entire assembly through tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 device ensures optimal force distribution across the concrete thickness, simplifies installation, and reduces the risk of technical defects, while accommodating various load conditions and component shapes.

Implementation Method 1

wedge-shaped anchor elements with inclined sloping sections that distribute forces conically within the concrete

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConical force distribution: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3460134B1Connection device to transmit force between two constructif elements
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 REDLBERGER ALFRED
  • EP3460134B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3460134B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3460134B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for force-transmitting connection of two components (1,2) comprising a bearing element (3) arranged in a first supporting component (1), at least one anchor element (5) arranged in a second supported component (2) and a connecting element (7) which brings the two components (1,2) into contact with each other.The anchor element (5) is designed in a plate-like form and has an opening (8) extending perpendicular to the plate plane, through which the connecting element (7) is passed in the installed state, wherein the lateral end faces (9) of the anchor element (5) nearest to the bearing element (3) each have at least one inclined section (10) inclined upwards towards the vertical central axis of the anchor element (5), and wherein furthermore the connecting element (7) has at least one inclined section (21) inclined downwards towards the first component (1) on its innermost end face (20) and/or at least one further anchor element (6) arranged further inwards in the second component (2) is provided, the lateral end faces (9) of which each have at least one inclined section (10) inclined downwards towards the vertical central axis of the anchor element (6).