Zigzag Connecting Anchor for Multi-Layer Concrete Slabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting anchors for multi-layer concrete slabs lack effective anchoring and force transmission, particularly in thin concrete layers and textile-reinforced structures, and often protrude visibly from the concrete slab, compromising thermal insulation and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A connecting anchor with a zigzag-shaped plate featuring bending points and recesses, allowing for improved anchoring and force transmission, and adjustable insertion depth, which is designed to be embedded within the concrete layers without being visible from the outside, utilizing a plate with a wavy profile and recesses to enhance anchoring and reduce heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connecting anchor uses a simple flat plate design, then the insertion depth can be controlled, but the anchoring effect and force transmission are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring effectVSAvoidplate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flat plate is transformed into a zigzag-shaped plate by introducing bending points that create curved segments. This curvature allows the plate to form mechanical interlocks with the concrete layers, significantly improving the anchoring effect and force transmission capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the connecting anchor protrudes from the concrete slab to ensure anchoring, then the anchoring effect is improved, but the thermal insulation and aesthetics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring effectVSAvoidheat transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The zigzag-shaped plate is designed to be nested within the concrete layers, with the bending points creating a compact profile that fits inside the slab thickness. This allows the anchor to achieve strong mechanical interlocking without protruding from the concrete surface, thereby maintaining thermal insulation performance and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the plate thickness is increased to improve anchoring in thin concrete layers, then the anchoring effect is improved, but the plate cannot be inserted between existing reinforcements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring effectVSAvoidinsertion between reinforcements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing plate thickness in one dimension, the invention uses bending points to create a zigzag profile that utilizes the vertical dimension within the concrete layer. This allows the plate to achieve effective anchoring depth while maintaining a thin overall profile that can be inserted between existing reinforcement bars.

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

4Reliability

If the connecting anchor uses a thick plate design, then the anchoring in thin concrete layers is improved, but the overall thickness increases and insertion becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring in thin concrete layersVSAvoidoverall plate thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The plate incorporates bending points that create a zigzag shape, allowing it to achieve effective anchoring depth within thin concrete layers without increasing the overall plate thickness. The curved segments enable the plate to engage deeply with the concrete while maintaining a compact profile for easy insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3835506B1Connecting anchor for multilayer concrete slabs and multilayer concrete slab
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 LEVIAT GMBH
  • EP3835506B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3835506B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP3835506B1 patent drawingFigure 9~13

AI summary

A connecting anchor for multi-layer concrete slabs comprises a slab (4) having a first longitudinal side (5) for placement in a first concrete layer (11) and a second longitudinal side (6) for placement in a second concrete layer (12), as well as a first transverse side (7) and a second transverse side (8), each connecting the first longitudinal side (5) to the second longitudinal side (6). Adjacent to at least one longitudinal side (5, 6), the slab (4) has an end section (19, 20) in which the slab (4) is bent at a first bending point (21) in a first bending direction (25) out of the plane (27) of the slab (4) and at a second bending point (22) in a second bending direction (26) opposite to the first bending direction (20). The slab (4) has at least two receptacles (14, 34) arranged at different distances (a) from the second longitudinal side (6).In one of the at least two recesses (14, 34), a limiting element (15) is detachably held to limit the insertion depth (t) of the connecting anchor (3) into the thermal insulation layer (2). A multi-layer concrete slab (1) comprises a first concrete layer (11), a second concrete layer (12), a thermal insulation layer (2) arranged between the concrete layers (11, 12), and at least one connecting anchor (1).