Wok Ear Wall Reinforcement Structure for Alignment and Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reinforcement methods for wok ear rammed earth walls in Lingnan architecture do not provide sufficient structural strength and overall reinforcement, particularly in regions prone to typhoons and earthquakes, and often fail to maintain the wall's original appearance.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement device comprising a wok ear reinforcing structure with strip-shaped and side fixing plates, and a rammed earth wall reinforcing structure with triangular fixing frames and support columns, assembled on-site to match the wall's shape and size, and coated with a matching mud layer to maintain appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional scaffolding and grouting methods are used for reinforcement, then the construction process is simple, but the reinforcement strength and overall reinforcement effect are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereinforcement strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement device is divided into multiple segments including triangular fixing frames, support columns, fixing plates, and connecting components. Each segment can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for systematic reinforcement while maintaining construction simplicity through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines multiple materials including steel structures for the frames and columns, cement-based materials for grouting, and traditional rammed earth. This composite approach integrates modern structural strength with traditional materials to achieve both high reinforcement strength and cultural preservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If local reinforcement operations are performed, then the construction process is simple, but the overall reinforcement effect is poor and the root cause is not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall reinforcement effectVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support through triangular frames, enables alignment correction through adjustable support columns, secures the wok ear structure through fixing plates, and allows grouting for bond strengthening. This multi-functional integrated system ensures comprehensive reinforcement effect

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device is installed before final grouting and structural stabilization. The triangular frames and support columns are positioned in advance to establish the correct geometric configuration and load paths, ensuring that subsequent grouting and structural loading occur within the pre-established reinforcement framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If reinforcement structures are added to maintain overall shape, then the structural integrity is improved, but the original appearance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidoriginal appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement components are nested within or attached to the existing wall structure. Triangular fixing frames are positioned against the wall surface, support columns are embedded or attached to the structure, and fixing plates are secured to the wok ear. This nesting approach provides structural support while minimizing visual impact and preserving the original appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If existing reinforcement methods are used, then the construction process is simple, but the walls still experience erosion, scouring, outward displacement, and cracking under typhoons and earthquakes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to typhoon and earthquake damageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement device is installed in advance before extreme weather events or structural failure occur. The triangular frames, support columns, and fixing plates are positioned and secured beforehand to establish load paths and structural stability that can resist typhoon winds and earthquake forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device provides preemptive structural support and stress distribution. The triangular fixing frames and support columns are designed to absorb and distribute lateral loads from typhoons and earthquakes, cushioning the wall structure against harmful forces before damage can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12565783B2Reinforcement device for correcting the alignment of wok ear rammed earth walls
Publication Date: 2026.03.03 SHANGHAI JIANWEI CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION TECH CO LTD
  • US12565783B2 patent drawing
  • US12565783B2 patent drawing
  • US12565783B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A reinforcement device for correcting alignment of a wok ear rammed earth wall includes: a wok ear reinforcing structure including a strip-shaped fixing plate, of which side fixing plates are spaced apart on each of both sides, and an end of each of the side fixing plates is provided with a first connecting ring; a rammed earth wall reinforcing structure including triangular fixing frames, side leg support columns, and a main support column. The triangular fixing frames on both sides of the wok ear respectively extend to form L-shaped connecting bars symmetric to each other, the ends are correspondingly welded together to form a surrounding integral structure. A second connecting rings and the first connecting rings are welded by rigid connecting plates. The original appearance of the wok ear rammed earth wall can be ensured with less destruction, improvements of structural strength, stability, and anti-falling ability.