Multi-layer wedge anchorage for FRP plates and tendons

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an effective anchorage mechanism to securely fasten fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates and tendons when used to reinforce concrete structures, as existing solutions fail to adequately address the challenges of securing these composite materials.

Innovation Solution

A wedge anchorage system comprising a cylindrical outer barrel, inner barrels, outer wedges, inner wedges, and middle wedges is designed to securely position and fasten three FRP plates and six FRP tendons, utilizing grooves and through holes to ensure proper alignment and tensioning of the FRP elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple anchorage mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely fasten multiple FRP plates and tendons is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring capabilityVSAvoidanchorage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchorage device is divided into multiple functional segments: outer barrel, inner barrels, outer wedges, inner wedges, and middle wedges. Each segment serves a specific function in securing the FRP plates and tendons, allowing the complex securing task to be distributed across multiple simpler components working together

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchorage system employs a nested structure where inner barrels are positioned within the outer barrel, inner wedges are positioned within outer wedges, and middle wedges are positioned between them. This nested arrangement allows multiple FRP elements to be secured in a compact configuration while maintaining the reliability needed for strong anchorage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If FRP materials are used to reinforce concrete, then tensile strength is improved, but the need for specialized anchorage mechanisms increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidanchorage mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchorage device incorporates grooves in specific locations on the wedges and barrels to accommodate and secure the FRP tendons and plates at precise positions. This localized feature design allows the anchorage mechanism to be optimized for FRP materials without requiring complete redesign of the entire system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The anchorage system is designed to work with composite FRP materials (fiber-reinforced polymers) that combine different materials to achieve superior tensile strength. The anchorage mechanism itself uses multiple materials and components working together in a composite fashion to secure these FRP elements effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11965334B1Multi-layer wedge anchorage for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates and tendons
Publication Date: 2024.04.23 KING FAISAL UNIV
  • US11965334B1 patent drawing
  • US11965334B1 patent drawing
  • US11965334B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A wedge anchorage includes the components needed to secure three fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates and six FRP tendons. The components include an outer barrel, two inner barrels, two outer wedges, two inner wedges, and two middle wedges. Two sets of three FRP tendons are secured in through holes formed between the respective upper and lower outer wedges and upper and lower inner wedges. A first FRP plate is secured between the upper inner wedge and a middle wedge, while a second FRP plate is secured between the lower inner wedge and the other middle wedge. The third FRP plate is secured between the two middle wedges.