Continuous Wire Mesh Spacer with Locking Hook for Concrete Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing large concrete products require multiple reinforcement wire mesh cages that need to be spaced correctly from each other and the form surfaces, but lack an effective spacer to maintain proper positioning under vibration and force during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A spacer constructed from a continuous length of material with a central straight portion, arcuate bends, and a locking hook that securely engages with the wire mesh cages, providing positive torsional locking and resistance to forces, while also having an eye for positioning away from concrete form surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple wire mesh cages are used for reinforcement, then the reinforcement strength is improved, but the positioning stability and spacing maintenance deteriorate under vibration and force
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into distinct functional segments: a central body portion for spacing, an eye portion for form engagement, and a locking portion with legs and hooks for cage attachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, ensuring both strength and positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking legs are designed to be resilient and movable, allowing them to flex during installation and then lock into place on the cage wires. This dynamic characteristic enables the spacer to maintain secure attachment while accommodating the forces and vibrations during concrete production.
2Strength
If multiple wire mesh cages are used for reinforcement, then the reinforcement strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated spacer component: the spacing function, form engagement (eye), and cage locking mechanism are all combined in one piece. This reduces the number of separate components needed while providing comprehensive functionality for multi-cage reinforcement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides spacing between cages, attachment to form surfaces, and secure locking to cage wires. The locking portion can engage with cage wires from different orientations, making it universally applicable to various cage configurations.
3Reliability
If the spacer uses a locking mechanism to secure cages, then the positioning stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism relies on changes in the physical parameters of the locking legs - specifically their resilience and ability to flex. By controlling the material properties and geometric parameters of the legs, the spacer achieves secure locking while remaining manufacturable using standard forming and bending processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous length of material comprising a central straight portion. An arcuate bend is formed at the first end by a downward bend relative to the central straight portion. An eye extends from the arcuate bend with a first end extending from the arcuate bend and a second end formed from an upward bend in the continuous length of material to elevate the second end of the eye above the central straight portion. A locking leg extends from the second end of the eye downward forming a locking hook.