Patent Application
20240141647
This application claims priority from Australia provisional patent application number AU2021901949 filed on 28 Jun. 2021 WIPO DAS code 7B0F and Australia provisional patent application number AU2021903998 filed on 10 Dec. 2021 WIPO DAS code F23A.
Described herein is a coupling system, coupler tools and methods of use thereof. More specifically, a coupling system is described comprising an anchor that may releasably connect to a coupled member.
Coupling of members is well known and described in the art. The extent of coupling and coupling characteristics (strength, tension or compression, slippage and so on) may be highly variable.
Coupling may be between elongated rods to other elongated rods or from elongated rods to a base plate.
US2019/0323238A1 describes a coupling to couple two ‘tendons’ together in a sleeve. The assembly is encased inside concrete and used to tension concrete e.g. a foundation. The sleeve comprises a central pressure chamber, pistons on either side of the pressure chamber, wedge jaws that the piston is driven by, the wedges being inside a tapered bore of a chuck. The chuck exterior threads into a coupler body. A tendon is pushed into the tendon passageway until seated within the wedges and then drawn back to tension the wedges in the bore. Hydraulic fluid may be pumped into the pressure chamber to urge the pistons against the wedges to cause locking of the wedges in the tapered bores.
US2018/0016789A1 also describes a two tendon coupler embedded in concrete. The design is similar in nature to US2019/0323238A1 however, the wedges are urged into tension using springs and a central disk is located between each side of the coupler. The wedges and splice chuck body thread into a body encapsulation.
CN210767212U describes a concrete column joint. An upper pre-cast column has an upper rebar and this upper rebar is coupled to a lower section rebar via a connecting sleeve. The lower rebar extends from a lower section precast column, through a cast in-situ part and set up layer and into the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve is partly embedded in the set-up layer and partly embedded in the upper precast column. The coupling sleeve threadingly engages the lower rebar and the upper rebar is held in the sleeve via wedges that, when in tension, bear on a tapered wall of the sleeve termed a taper cylinder. The wedges are urged to a tension abutment via a spring, an end of which bears on a baffle ring in the sleeve and the other end on the wedge base.
Art coupling devices and methods including those described above may not be ideal. Common drawbacks of art coupling devices and methods include but are not necessarily limited to:
It may be useful to address one or more of the above drawbacks in a coupling system or method or at least provide the public with a choice.
Further aspects and advantages of the coupling system, coupler tools and methods of use thereof will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.
A coupling system is described comprising an anchor that may releasably connect to a coupled member. Associated tools configured to cooperate with the coupling system and methods of use of the coupling system and release or re-engagement of the coupling system are also described. In one embodiment, the coupling system may further comprise an enclosing member and release member and a related tool or tools to actuate release of the connection and re-engage of the connection as desired.
In a first aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly configured to releasably connect a coupled member to the coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising:
In a second aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly and a coupled member, wherein:
In a third aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly configured to couple an end of a first coupled member coaxially to an end of a second coupled member, wherein:
In a fourth aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly configured to connect a coupled member to the coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising:
In a fifth aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly configured to connect a coupled member to the coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising:
In a sixth aspect, there is provided a column comprising:
In a seventh aspect, there is provided a column assembly, the column assembly connected to a base plate and substrate comprising:
In an eighth aspect, there is provided a column assembly comprising a first column assembly connected vertically to a second column assembly via a connection, the connection comprising:
In a ninth aspect, there is provided a column assembly comprising a first column assembly connected vertically to a second column assembly via a connection, the connection comprising:
In a tenth aspect, there is provided a column assembly with a coupled member releasably coupled to the column, the column assembly comprising:
In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a method of releasing a coupled member from a coupling assembly comprising:
In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a tool configured to release the coupled member from the coupling assembly substantially as described above and optionally, re-engage the coupled member to the coupling assembly substantially as described above, the tool comprising:
In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided an alignment tool configured to align the coupled member in the coupling assembly substantially as described above, the alignment tool comprising:
In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a method of connecting a coupled member to a coupling assembly by:
Selected advantages of the coupling system, coupler tools and methods of use thereof may comprise one or more of the following:
Further aspects of the coupling system, coupler tools and methods of use thereof will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
As noted above, a coupling system is described comprising an anchor that may releasably connect to a coupled member. Associated tools configured to cooperate with the coupling system and methods of use of the coupling system and release or re-engagement of the coupling system are also described. In one embodiment, the coupling system may further comprise an enclosing member and release member and a related tool or tools to actuate release of the connection and re-engage of the connection as desired.
For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘about’ or ‘approximately’ and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.
The term ‘substantially’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.
The term ‘comprise’ and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.
Terms such as ‘front’, ‘forward’, ‘rear’, ‘side’, ‘top’, and ‘bottom’, ‘up’ and ‘down’ and grammatical variations thereof as used herein, in the context of the anchor, refer to aspects of the anchor relative to the location and placement of the anchor and anchored member or members.
A Coupling Assembly
In a first aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly configured to releasably connect a coupled member to the coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising:
A Coupled Member and Coupling Assembly
In a second aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly and a coupled member, wherein:
As noted above, the coupling assembly also comprises a coupled member, wherein the coupled member is located within, and is coupled to, the coupling assembly.
As may be understood from the above aspects, the coupling assembly (and optionally a coupled member therein) act to cause a connection preventing removal of a coupled member from the coupling assembly when a tensile force is applied that attempts to remove the coupled member from the coupling assembly. This connection can be released. The enclosing member minimises relative movement between the anchor and coupled member and in doing so addresses overturning loads on the coupling assembly.
Tension and Compression
As noted above, the coupling assembly is configured so that the coupling assembly may have a coupled configuration that prevents separation of the coupled member from the anchor. As described further in this specification, this coupling may be released. Terms such as tensile force or tensile direction may be used herein to refer to an in-use coupled configuration where the anchor jaw(s) engage a coupled member therein corresponding to a force load that attempts to de-couple the coupled member and anchor. Conversely, a compressive force or direction may act to release the jaw(s) from the coupled member therein and allow removal of the coupled member from the anchor. The terms tension and compression or grammatical variations thereof are used as a means herein to explain force directions however, these forces may not always be tension or compression forces alone and are used by way of explanation only.
Jaw Relationship
The anchor operates via an interference arrangement. In one embodiment, when a tensile force is imposed on the coupled member, the tensile force may cause the at least one jaw of the anchor to be drawn against the anchor body internal taper in a first direction and, the internal taper then causes a reaction force on the at least one jaw in a substantially perpendicular direction to the tensile force on the coupled member, imposes the at least one jaw to clamp against the coupled member within the at least one jaw and thereby halt relative movement between the coupled member and the coupling assembly.
The anchor at least one jaw may at least partly disengage the anchor body in the event of an opposite force e.g. a compressive loading being applied to the coupled member. Compressive loading if used, may be in a direction substantially opposite that of a tensile loading.
Jaw Detail
In one embodiment, the at least one jaw may be a jaw assembly comprising at least two, or three, or four separate jaws linked together. The jaws may form a circular cross-section when linked together. The jaws may be linked together via a linking member such as a spring.
Jaw Movement
The at least one jaw may move parallel to a tensile or compressive force imposed on the coupled member. Generally, the coupling assembly may be designed so that a tensile force imposed extends along a longitudinal axis of a coupled member within the coupling assembly (and a longitudinal axis of the coupling assembly). The at least one jaw tends to follow the direction of a force imposed either up or down within the anchor body. Some degree of side or lateral force loading may be supported, this lateral loading being transferred and at least somewhat converted via the enclosing member to a parallel force on the anchor and anchor at least one jaw and body tapers.
Coupled Member
Whilst the coupled member may take various forms and configurations, in one embodiment, the coupled member may be a rod. The rod may have an elongated shape with opposing ends.
For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘rod’ may be used interchangeably with the term coupled member. Reference to the term rod is not intended to be limiting since other shapes and forms may be used as coupled members e.g. T shaped or L shaped members.
The rod may be a steel rod although other materials could be used such as other types of metal or even woods or composite materials.
In one embodiment, the rod at one end which connects to the coupling assembly, may be substantially smooth. This rod end may not be threaded or otherwise contoured although, optionally threads or ribs or other surface features could be used. An opposing end of the rod distant to the coupling assembly may be threaded or otherwise comprise exterior features.
The rod diameter, at least about an end that connects to the coupling assembly may have a diameter sized to expand the anchor at least one jaw to match the largest rod diameter/size.
Release Member
As noted above, an advantage of the above coupling assembly may be the ability to release the coupled member from the anchor. Optionally, it may also be possible to re-engage or arm the coupling assembly again post release.
Also as noted above, when actuated, the release member forces the anchor at least one jaw to disengage the body and move to a second uncoupled position.
The coupling assembly may comprise a release member that is configured to be urged to force the anchor at least one jaw to disengage from the first coupled position to a second uncoupled position where the anchor at least one jaw is released or moves from the anchor body and allows a coupled member therein to uncouple.
In one embodiment, the release member may comprise a collar and shaft extending from the collar. Urging to release the coupling assembly imposes a force on the collar which in turn urges a compression force on the at least one jaw of the anchor (and not the anchor body), thereby causing the at least one jaw to separate from the body of the anchor i.e. the tapers separate. The force direction to release may be in an opposite direction to the engaged force of the jaws on the anchor.
The release member shaft may be sized to impose an urging force on the at least one jaw and not the anchor body.
The release member collar may have a larger size or diameter than the size or diameter of the release member shaft. The collar may have a diameter or size that complements and slidingly engages the size or diameter of the enclosing member or sleeve.
As may be appreciated from the above, it should be understood that the release member moves up and down within the enclosing member between two positions, a first position being a tension position where the release member is urged away from the at least one jaw and does not impose a compression force on the at least one jaw. A second position may be where the release member moves against a tensile force position and has urged the at least one jaw at least partly from a taper of the body so as to allow a coupled member to release from the anchor.
The release member when not urged, does not interfere with movement of the anchor or anchor body or anchor at least one jaw or a coupled member therein when a tension force is applied.
The release member may be located intermediate the enclosing member and anchor. In one embodiment, the release member may be located between a top cap of the enclosing member and the top of an anchor at least one jaw.
The release member may comprise a bore though the centre longitudinal axis of the release member. This bore may allow passage of the coupled member through the release member. The release member bore size may be a sliding fit to the coupled member. A relatively tight tolerance in fit between the coupled member and release member bore may be important to avoid mis-alignment between the release member, enclosing member and coupled member, particularly when release is urged.
Where a bias member is used to urge tensioning of the anchor at least one jaw, release member movement may be in a direction opposite the bias direction of the bias member i.e. the release member movement counteracts the bias direction.
Release Tool
The release member may be urged from a first tension position to a second compression position via a release tool.
In one embodiment, the release tool may comprise at least one tine and one end of the tine interferes with the release member and causes urging of the release member to a second compression position. The release tool tine may be inserted between the enclosing member or a part thereof e.g. the top cap, and a part of the release member e.g. the top of the release member collar. The tine may comprise an angled ending so that so that as the tine inserts between the enclosing member and release member collar, the size of the tine ending increases and in doing, increases the gap between the enclosing member and release member, urging the release member to the second compression position.
The release tool may comprise two parallel tines with a spacing between the tines. The two tines linked by a release tool body.
Hydraulic Release
As an alternative to the above release tool (or in combination with the release tool), the release member may be released via a hydraulic system. Reasons for release of the coupling may be similar to statements elsewhere in this specification, such as, to release the coupling in case of damage/release to correct an assembly error/or release at end-of-life.
Like in the release tool embodiment above, the release member may be moved or depressed so as to force the at least one jaw up or down and in doing so be urged to force the at least one jaw to disengage from a first coupled position to a second released position where the jaw(s) no longer grip the coupled member therein.
In one embodiment, the hydraulic system may be used in conjunction with the mechanical release tool described above. This might be useful to simplify the mechanical method of coupling release. It may also be possible however to use only a hydraulic system to cause uncoupling.
The hydraulic fluid used in the hydraulic system may be oil or grease. The hydraulic fluid may be pressurised using a manual dispenser (e.g. grease gun), hand pump, electric pump or similar. Pressurisation may occur via an access hole in the column assuming the coupling is used to couple a column or columns. The access hole may be a single hole. The hole may be relatively small so as to minimise any intrusion on the column aesthetics.
In one embodiment the flow path of the hydraulic fluid arrangement may be such that hydraulic pressure imposed by the hydraulic fluid causes acts on a piston. The piston may be housed and sealed by O-rings (or other seals) into a top cap of the coupling.
In a further release member embodiment, once in a release position, the release member is held or maintained in the release position to permit release tool withdrawal. Where a hydraulic system is used, the release position may be achieved using hydraulic pressure, and a mechanical latch such as a snap-ring noted above for the release member may not be needed and could be omitted from the design. The hydraulic pressure alone may be sufficient to retain the release member in position.
A fill point for hydraulic fluid may be fitted with a non-return device (such as a grease nipple or similar). This latches the jaws in a released or uncoupled position by fixing the volume of incompressible fluid, thereby reacting against the bias force of a compressed spring if used.
A similar method may be taken to re-set or re-couple a released coupling using the same tool in case of a change of mind. In an embodiment using hydraulic pressure, coupling of the jaws previously released may be completed by the step of unscrewing a bleed screw for example which may release hydraulic pressure and surplus grease from the coupling device. This in turn reduces pressure on the release member and allows the release member to be urged by the compression spring to an armed position again. To reset the device it may be necessary to lift the coupled member that is connected to allow access to the bleed screw—that is, if for example a change of mind occurs about disconnecting two elements after connection release, then it may be necessary to separate the coupled members to allow resetting of the coupling assembly. A bias on the at least one jaw may then return the at least one jaw to an armed or coupled position again with the hydraulic pressure removed.
The method of coupling re-set such as unscrewing the bleed screw noted may be altered in shape and form to optimise or adjust the reset speed. Slower reset speeds may, for example, be easier to clean up or contain than higher re-set speeds. Excess hydraulic fluid bled from the coupling could be wiped away or captured in a chamber such as a accumulator potentially for re-use. Bias pressure may return the at least one jaw to the armed/coupled position.
Release Tool Access
The release member may be accessed via at least one opening in the enclosing member termed hereafter as at least one release opening.
The at least one release opening may be located proximate an interface between the release member and a part of the enclosing member. For example, the release opening(s) may be located towards the top of the enclosing member to expose an interface between the top of the release member collar and the bottom of an enclosing member top cap.
The release opening(s) may be sufficiently long so that the release opening length matches that extent of movement of the release member between the first and second positions. The release opening(s) may be sufficiently wide to accommodate the release tool or a part thereof described above.
The release tool may insert through the at least one release opening in the enclosing member to reach and urge compression force movement of the release collar to a second position.
The release tool tine or tines may lever against an edge or side of the enclosing member release opening to cause or increase a reaction force on the release member.
The release openings may be aligned about the coupling assembly sleeve in a horizontal plane or around the sleeve diameter or may be axisymmetric. If an external access hole for reset is not provided (e.g. when using a hydraulic release mechanism), then the release access hole detail can be repeated at 90° or 180° intervals around the, for example, a column. Note that reference to these angles should not be seen as limiting. It may be useful to use these angle spacings in square or rectangular column embodiments however, for circular or ovoid cross-section columns, the angles could be at any spacing.
Axisymmetric design may be useful where the coupled member such as a column can still be released even if initially installed in the wrong rotational position.
Release Member Capture
The release member may be releasably captured by the anchor when moved to a second compression position corresponding to an anchor release position.
Capture or placing a halt in movement of the release member relative to the anchor in the uncoupled position may be important to prevent unwanted catching of the jaw(s) and coupled member. Capture of the release member may also be important to hold the second position against the bias member biasing force assuming a bias member is present.
Capture in one embodiment may be achieved by a mating lock ring and opening located between a part of the release member and a part of the anchor, the lock ring and opening engaging together when the release member is in the second compression position. The lock ring may be located on a shaft of the release member or on the body of the anchor or vice versa.
Capture in this way also allows the release tool to be removed from the coupling assembly and the second position of the release member maintained.
As noted above, capture may also occur by retention of hydraulic fluid/pressure on the piston to hold the release position of the piston and release member i.e. to hold a force bearing on the jaws and spring so that the jaws disengage the coupled member. In this embodiment, a snap ring may not be needed.
Manual Release with Lifting Device
The coupling assembly can be used to retain a lifting device such a hook or eye, this lifting device being the coupled member in place of an upper rod. A lifting device could be used as part of the lifting equipment to hoist a column into position. Once lifting is complete, the anchor release mechanism could then be used to quickly disconnect the hook for re-use.
In an alternative release arrangement using a hydraulic system, a secondary manual release method may be provided for low-force situations e.g. lifting of a column or loadings of less than 2 tonnes. The method may use a tool such as a blade, driver or fork levering against an opening in the coupling assembly enclosing member. The tool used may be the arming tool or release tool described elsewhere in this specification. This may be useful to eliminate the potential complexity of providing hydraulic pressure at height.
Manual release may be enabled by providing a separation between the hydraulic piston and the release collar. This may allow the collar to be depressed by a tool, without needing to displace the hydraulically-locked piston.
Release Member Shaft Shape
The release member shaft may further comprise a shaped shaft. The shaft may have a smaller diameter end relative to the shaft base closest to the release member collar. Intermediate the two shaft diameters may be a step, this step being a sloped shoulder. The exact shape and dimensions for the relative diameters and shoulder may vary depending on specific characteristics and nature of the coupling assembly however, this shaped feature was identified by the inventors as being useful to cause smooth action, avoid misalignment and ensure clean capture between the mating lock ring and opening.
Arming and Arming Tool
Post release, the coupling assembly may be re-connected or armed again.
This may be achieved by the release member movement being reversed so as to re-couple the coupled member and anchor and remove any force acting on the at least one jaw that causes decoupling.
Reverse movement may be completed by completing reverse movement of the release collar relative to the anchor so as to urge the release collar to move away from the anchor body and jaws. On doing so, the anchor re-engages to prevent a tension force from moving the coupled member relative to the anchor.
In one embodiment, if the release tool remains engaged in the coupling assembly, arming may occur by removing the release tool and letting the bias force of the bias member causes tension to occur again and this in turn causes the release member to return to a first position.
In an alternative embodiment, particularly useful where the release member is captured in a second compression position, reverse movement to cause re-coupling may occur via an arming tool. The arming tool may be inserted between the release member and anchor body in this case and an upward urging force applied by the arming tool. This force overcomes any capture of the release member and forces the release member to a first tension position.
The arming tool may be inserted through at least one opening in the enclosing member (termed hereafter as an arming opening). The arming opening may be located proximate an interface between the release member and anchor body, for example between an underside of the release member collar and top of the anchor body. The arming tool may like the release tool have a tine or tines and the tine or tines may have an angled ending to urge part separation. If a bias member is present in the coupling assembly and of sufficient bias strength, it may be sufficient to overcome the capture forces between the release member and anchor body and further movement of the release member may occur due to the bias member force. In this embodiment, it may be sufficient for the arming tool to be at least partly rotated so as to introduce a prying force to overcome the capture force.
The arming opening may be sized like the release opening to allow access for the tool to the interface and have a length commensurate with the extent of movement of the release member between the first and second positions.
The arming tool tine or tines may lever against an edge or side of the enclosing member arming opening to cause or increase a reaction force on the release member.
Release Tool and Arming Tool the Same
While in the above description separate tools have been described, it may be appreciated that the same tool may be used for both release and arming. A single tool for both actions may comprise a tine or tines and an angled tine end.
Coupling Activation
The coupling assembly may comprise an activation member configured to impose an engagement force to be applied to the anchor, thereby causing engagement between the at least one jaw and body of the anchor.
In one embodiment, the activation member may be a bias member. The bias member may be located so as to bias the at least one jaw to an engagement position urging the external taper of the at least one jaw to abut the internal taper of the body. In one embodiment, the bias member may be a spring. The spring may be located inside the enclosing member and may abut the base of the at least one jaw and may bias the at least one jaw against the anchor body about the tapers. The spring may rest on an cap of the enclosing member, extending from the cap to the base of the at least one jaw. The spring may be a coil spring.
The engagement force may be a tension force between the at least one jaw and body of the anchor.
Aligned Coupled Members
In a third aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly configured to couple an end of a first coupled member coaxially to an end of a second coupled member, wherein:
Alignment Member
In selected embodiments, one coupled member may be connected to another coupled member via the coupling assembly. For example, one rod may be connected to a further rod. The further rod may be connected to another item such as a column or ground surface. Aligning the two rod ends may be difficult in art couplings due to tight tolerances and inherent lack of tight tolerances during manufacture. The inventors have found that the coupling assembly described may allow for the coupled member ends to align together within the coupling assembly. In part this may be due to the coupling assembly being designed to allow for a degree of rod movement side to side and hence provide some degree of tolerance. This side to side movement may be assisted and/or guided through use of the alignment member described above.
In art coupling designs, the coupled member ends may be kept separate from each other and not meet at all within the coupler. It may be useful to have the coupled member ends meet together coaxially as this may reduce the overall size of the coupling assembly, increase strength through avoiding empty space between the rods and inside the coupler and to limit off set movement of the coupled members within the coupling assembly and hence concentrate any tension axially along the coupled members.
The coupled member ends may engage directly. For example, the ends may abut each other or be received into mating endings. Alternatively, the coupled member ends may engage indirectly via an intermediate member or members. For example, a spacer may be used as an intermediate member that acts as an alignment member to align and engage the coupled member ends.
In one embodiment, the alignment member may be a spigot style ending on each rod end. For example, one rod end may comprise a narrowed male fitting while the opposing rod end has a female fitting. When the rod ends are aligned, the female fitting tends to guide the male ending into place.
In an alternative embodiment, an upper coupled member may be aligned with the coupling assembly via an cone shape section. The cone shape section may be included in the enclosing member e.g. at a top cap, to guide the upper coupled member e.g. a column bore, into position. This cone may also provide protection for a hydraulic fitting described further below during column installation (assuming a hydraulic system is used).
Coupling Assembly With End Caps
In a fourth aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly configured to connect a coupled member to the coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising:
End Caps
One, or both, end caps may comprise an opening. The opening may be sized to complement a diameter of a coupled member so that a coupled member may slide or pass through one or both end caps. The end caps may house part or all of the release member (if included) substantially as described above. The end cap or end caps may comprise openings to allow for ingress and optionally egress of hydraulic fluid. The end cap or end caps may allow for passage of a release tool through the end cap or end caps.
Coupling Assembly with Enclosing Member
In a fifth aspect, there is provided a coupling assembly configured to connect a coupled member to the coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising:
Enclosing Member
The coupling assembly may further comprise an enclosing member. The enclosing member may comprise a sleeve linked to the end caps, the sleeve slidingly engaging and surrounding the anchor and the end caps defining the sleeve ends and extent of internal volume inside the enclosing member. The anchor may fit snugly within the enclosing member thereby minimising any relative movement between the anchor and enclosing member.
The enclosing member may be a separate sleeve that fits over and encloses therein, the anchor at least one jaw and body. The enclosing member may further at least partly enclose an end of the coupled member, assuming the coupled member is present. The enclosing member sleeve slidingly engages the anchor. There may be no thread, fastener or adhesive to link the enclosing member and anchor together.
The sleeve may be sufficiently thick and sufficiently long to take up a lateral load on a sleeve side and at least partly transfer this load to a tensile load on the anchor inside the enclosing member.
The enclosing member snugly fits over the anchor to minimise relative movement between the anchor and the enclosing member. The enclosing member may both conceal the coupling assembly and prevent or minimise over turning load forces. This function of the enclosing member may be important in enclosed/concealed connections to prevent/minimise over turning load forces. The enclosing member may provide a compressive edge reaction for column overturning loads. A secondary function of the enclosing member may be to provide fire protection to the anchor jaws and char layer fire protection of the steel connection. As will be described further elsewhere, the enclosing member provides a reaction lever edge or face as well to move anchor related parts to cause coupling or uncoupling of the anchor.
A Column, Coupled Member and Coupling Assembly
In a sixth aspect, there is provided a column comprising:
As noted above, the coupling assembly may be used to connect a column to a base plate/substrate. This aspect may have applications in building construction.
Retention Means
In one embodiment, the coupled member may be connected to the column by a retention means. Retention may be direct between the coupled member and column. Indirect connection is also possible. Connection of the coupled member to the column may be a permanent and non-reversible connection. Examples of retention means may be by use of adhesive between the coupled member and column; threading the coupled member into the column, fastener use to fix the coupled member and column together and combinations thereof.
In one embodiment, the retention means may distribute an axial tension force acting on the coupled member in a direction perpendicular to the coupled member longitudinal axis. The distributed axial force may be distributed beyond an immediate interface between a coupled member and the surrounds in which the coupled member end is enclosed.
In one embodiment, the retention means may be at least one barrel nut, each barrel nut comprising an elongated cylindrical form with an orthogonally angled threaded hole passing through the barrel nut and wherein the barrel nut is inserted into a bore in the column and the coupled member comprises a thread and a threaded end and the thread on the threaded end mates with a thread in the barrel nut. The barrel nut outer surface bears on the bore when an axial tension force is applied to the coupled member, the bore and outer surface of the barrel nut extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupled member e.g. a reinforcing rod.
The retention means may be used inside the column described above. In an embodiment where one column is coupled to another column, both the upper and lower columns may use a retention member to retain an upper or lower coupled member to the upper or lower column respectively.
For example, a barrel nut may comprise an elongated cylindrical form with an orthogonally angled threaded hole passing through the barrel nut. The barrel nut is inserted into a bore in the column. The coupled member may comprise a threaded end and this thread mates with the barrel nut threaded hole. The coupled member is inserted through a bore in the column and threaded on the barrel nut inside the column. When a tensile force is applied between the coupled member and the barrel nut, an elongated length of the barrel nut bears on a part of a bore opening in the column and resists withdrawal of the coupled member from the column.
The above barrel nut may be one method of applying tension to a coupled member. In some embodiments, it may be an advantage to apply a small preload to the coupled member. Pre-load may be useful to take out backlash and clearances, resulting in reduced initial slip and improved connection stiffness. In this case a tension nut and washer may be installed at the top of a bore in the column, allowing the rod to be tensioned using a tube spanner.
This barrel nut approach may be used instead of adhesive between the column and coupled member described above. Alternatively the barrel nut or coupled member, or both, may also be adhered to the column as well. The inventors have found that barrel nut use not only provides a way to pre-tension the coupled members but also is a very strong and effective way to link the coupled members to the column.
Further aspects of the barrel nut are described more below.
Retention Means Positioning
In some arrangements, a simple method to achieve the correct rotational position of the anchor may be required, for example to align the release member with access holes in a column.
One method to achieve this may be by the following installation sequence:
Note that tightening the external locking nut may also pre-tension the lower rod in a similar way to the upper rod tension nut.
Column
A column as described herein may refer to a structural upright slab or pillar. The column may be used to form buildings or other structures and may be load bearing. Columns may be prism shaped with rectangular planar faces, sides and upper and lower ends.
Columns may be manufactured from various structural materials such as concrete, steel and timber. In selected embodiments, the columns are manufactured from laminated timber.
As described elsewhere in this specification, the column top or bottom or front and back faces may be bores or openings to accommodate the coupling assembly or tools used to access the assembly, for example to release to anchor and/or re-arm the anchor.
Bearing Area
The coupling assembly enclosing member, in this aspect, provides a bearing area to transfer a lateral force imposed on the column to a predominantly tensile force on the coupling assembly. This may be important in the event of a seismic event that causes both vertical plane movement and horizontal plane movement. In the inventors experience, the coupling assembly is extremely strong when a column is subjected to lateral loadings and force is transferred almost fully from a lateral loading to a tensile loading on the coupling assembly.
Internal Components
At least 60, or 65, or 70, or 75, or 80, or 85, or 90, or 95, or 100% of a volume of the coupling assembly may be located inside the column. The whole coupling assembly volume may be located inside the column. For example, the coupling assembly may be accommodated almost entirely or entirely within a bore or opening within the column. This may be important for aesthetic reasons—designers of buildings require coupling parts to be hidden from sight so that the building interior columns at least have no or minimal penetrations. This may also be important for fire protection. Exposed metal parts may be conductive to fire and heat allowing fire or heat access to internal parts of the column or coupled member. Where the column is wooden, if a fire or heat can be transmitted inside the column, the column structural strength may be compromised. Further, heat itself transmitted for example along a coupled member may destroy an adhesive link between a coupled member and column. Epoxy adhesives which are widely used between rods and wooden columns rapidly loses structural integrity at or above 70° C. hence preventing possible heat transmittance may be important.
In one embodiment, in the aspect above, the coupled member and coupling assembly are centrally located within the column.
In one embodiment, each column may comprise one coupling assembly and one coupled member. In a further embodiment, two or more coupling assemblies and coupled members may be used.
A Column to Base Coupling
In a seventh aspect, there is provided a column assembly, the column assembly connected to a base plate and substrate comprising:
Substrate
As may be appreciated from the above aspect, a column may be coupled to a base plate and substrate. The substrate may for example by a foundation, the ground, a concrete pad, a pile or piles and so on.
Base Plate
A base plate may be located between column base and a substrate. The column bottom and substrate may be located directly against the base plate and any coupling assembly or assemblies may be hidden within the column and no gap may exist between the column and base plate.
A bolt may be located beneath the base plate that the coupling assembly engages to permanently or semi-permanently connected the coupling assembly and the base plate.
The base plate may have fastening openings and fastening members to allow the base plate to be secured to a substrate.
The base plate may include one or more locating members such as roll pins.
The base plate size may correspond to the size of a column base.
Multiple Coupling Assemblies and Coupled Members
As per other described aspects, the column to base plate connection may be made using one or multiple coupling assemblies and coupled members.
Column to Base Plate Release and Arming
As described above, the coupling assembly may be released to allow separation of the connection between the column and base plate and this connection re-armed through use of the release member. Column release and re-engagement may be useful to allow for removal and replacement of a column perhaps due to column damage or to alter placement of a column.
Column to Column Coupling
In an eighth aspect, there is provided a column assembly comprising a first column assembly connected vertically to a second column assembly via a connection, the connection comprising:
Multiple Columns
The above aspect illustrates how two or more columns may be connected using the coupling assembly. Further columns may be attached as to either the first or second column described by use of further coupling assemblies and coupled members.
Columns may be directly connected end to end without intermediate slabs or other building elements between the columns. In one embodiment, the columns may be indirectly connected end to end with a bearing plate located between the first and second column ends.
Extension Sleeve
In this aspect, an extension sleeve may be used. The extension sleeve may mate at one end with the enclosing member, the extension sleeve having a similar diameter and length as the enclosing member. If the enclosing member comprises a sleeve, the extension sleeve may have a similar diameter and length.
The extension sleeve may be located in a bore in the lower column opposite a complementary bore in the first column that houses the connection assembly. The extension sleeve may snug fit into the column bore and may not be adhered or fastened into the bore.
The extension sleeve may enclose part or all of the second coupled member, the second coupled member extending longitudinally along the extension sleeve longitudinal axis.
Multiple Coupling Assemblies and Coupled Members
As per other described aspects, the column to column connection may be made using one or multiple coupling assemblies and coupled members.
Bearing Plate
A single bearing plate may be located between columns. The column bottom and top may be located directly against the bearing plate and any coupling assembly or assemblies may be hidden within the columns and no gap may exist between the columns and bearing plate.
The bearing plate may include one or more locating members such as roll pins.
Column to Column Release and Arming
As described above, the coupling assembly may be released to allow separation of the connection between the columns and this connection re-armed through use of the release member. Column release and re-engagement may be useful to allow for removal and replacement of a column perhaps due to column damage or to alter placement of a column. One advantage the inventors have noted is that, in a multiple column structure where three or more columns are connected using the coupling assembly described, removal of one column can be completed without severe structural impairment.
Alternative Column to Column Connection
In a ninth aspect, there is provided a column assembly comprising a first column assembly connected vertically to a second column assembly via a connection, the connection comprising:
Multiple Bearing Plates As may be noted from the above aspect, the coupling assembly may not use an extension sleeve for a lower rod and lower column. Instead, this alternative embodiment of coupling assembly may use top and bottom bearing plates that are fastened using screws to either end of the columns and butted together (uncoupled) about the column ends. The coupling assembly may act to centre the unconnected top and bottom plates and may aligns the upper and lower columns together.
In this embodiment, the load path from an overturning force imposed on the column(s) differs to the earlier embodiments. The load path may run from an upper column, to an upper screw, to the top plate, to the coupling assembly to the bottom plate, to the bottom screw and out to the lower column. The force load path may be via the opposite path to the above described path as well and via multiple screws (upper and lower). The inventors have found that this load path appears to give up to 10 times more resistance to an overturning force than earlier embodiments which may be useful in selected embodiments.
In this further embodiment, the coupling assembly may further comprise pre-tensioning elements that act to tension a coupled member or members against a column or columns prior to an over-turning force being applied. Pre-tensioning minimises any slack in movement prior to the coupling assembly taking effect and the load path noted above being imposed. Without pre-tensioning it is possible that some degree of movement may occur before the load path engages which may not be ideal.
The inventors found that, for typical geometries, higher lateral load capacities can be provided by this screw arrangement compared to timber bearing perpendicular to grain onto an extension tube.
Bearing areas at the contact between internal holes in the plates and external diameters of the anchor components may be designed to support the required loads. The designed for features may be the diameters of the centre hole through each plate, and the bearing plate thickness.
In this alternative arrangement, the optional extension sleeve described elsewhere in this specification may be omitted.
In this alternative arrangement, a tight or snug fit with contact may not be required between the coupling assembly and the column bore diameter. A nominal clearance with no gap may be designed to allow for tolerance and moisture dimension change effects.
Column to Column Coupling Alternate Release Point
In a tenth aspect, there is provided a column assembly with a coupled member releasably coupled to the column, the column assembly comprising:
Retention Means/Barrel Nut
The column may comprise a bore that houses the retention means therein. The barrel nut may have a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis. An opening in the barrel nut receives an end of the coupled member. This opening may be orientated so that the barrel nut longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupled member. As noted elsewhere in this specification, the retention means or barrel nut extends the load path of a tensile force on the coupled member outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the coupled member and beyond the immediate interface between the coupled member and column.
In one embodiment, the coupled member and barrel nut threadingly engage together. Reversing the thread engagement may allow the coupled member and retention means to uncouple. Alternative methods may be used to achieve releasable coupling.
In one embodiment the barrel nut may comprise a set screw that threads into a bore in the barrel nut and which engages a groove in the coupled member and in doing so, interlocks the set screw and groove and couples the coupled member and barrel nut together. The set screw may be unscrewed to release the coupled member from the barrel nut.
In an alternative embodiment, the barrel nut has a bore and the coupled member end has a cross-hole and the barrel nut bore and coupled member cross-hole receive a through pin which acts to couple the barrel nut and coupled member together. The through pin may be removed again to release the coupled member and barrel nut.
In a further embodiment, the barrel nut is split into two halves that clamp about the coupled member end and are held in place using screws. The coupled member to barrel nut load path may be further enhanced by the coupled member having an enlarged or flanged head, the head bearing on the barrel nut when a tensile force is applied to the coupled member. This split barrel nut embodiment may be further varied by introducing wedge jaws in the interface between the split barrel nut sides and the coupled member. The screws may then clamp the wedges and barrel nut sides to the coupled member. When a tension force is applied the coupled member, the wedge jaws work the further couple the coupled member to the barrel nut. This coupling is however easily reversed by unscrewing the screws to remove the jaws from the coupled member.
In one embodiment, a first column may be linked to a second column using the above approach where a single coupled member extends into either column and at either one end of the coupled member, or at both ends, the above barrel nut retention means is used to releasably connect the coupled member and columns.
In a further embodiment, the above column assembly may further comprise the coupling assembly described elsewhere in this specification. In this embodiment, two coupled members may be linked by the coupling assembly, one coupled member being releasably coupled to a first column and the second coupled member linked to a second column or base plate/substrate. The coupling assembly may be centrally located between the columns or between the column and base plate/substrate. The coupling assembly may be a non-releasable coupling. Alternatively, the coupling assembly may be a releasable coupling hence providing a further release point for the assembly described.
A Method of Release and Engagement of a Coupled Member
In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a method of releasing a coupled member from a coupling assembly comprising:
Release Member Movement
As noted in the earlier description, the release member is moved between positions to cause compression on the jaw(s) and movement of the jaw(s) from the body to allow disconnection of the coupled member and anchor. The release tool as noted above may be used to force the release member away from a top of the enclosing member and against a tension bias (if present). Alternatively, as noted a hydraulic fluid may be used in a pressure chamber to force the release member away from a top of the enclosing member and against a tension bias (if present). Capture of the release member may occur in the second compression position.
Re-Arming
The method described in the above aspect may be reversed to cause re-arming of the coupling assembly by the further step of:
Single Tool
As noted earlier this this description, a single tool for both release and arming actions may be used. The single tool may for example comprise a tine or tines and an angled tine end.
Quick Release and/or Arming Tool
In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a tool configured to release the coupled member from the coupling assembly substantially as described above and optionally, re-engage the coupled member to the coupling assembly substantially as described above, the tool comprising:
Tool Tine Insertion Point
In order to release the coupled member from the coupling assembly, the tool tine may be configured to be inserted between the enclosing member or a part thereof e.g. the top cap, and a part of the release member e.g. the top of the release member collar.
In order to re-engage the coupled member to the coupling assembly, the tool tine may be configured to be inserted between the release member e.g. the bottom of the release member collar and the top of the anchor body or at least one jaw.
Tines
The tine or tines may comprise an angled or tapered ending so that, as the tine inserts or wedges between the enclosing member and release member collar (or anchor body and release member collar), the size of the tine ending increases and, in doing so, increases the gap between the enclosing member and release member or anchor body and release member, urging the release member to the second or first positions respectively.
The tool may comprise two parallel tines with a spacing between the tines. The two tines linked by a tool body.
Alignment Tool
In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided an alignment tool configured to align the coupled member in the coupling assembly substantially as described above, the alignment tool comprising:
Handle
The alignment tool further comprises a handle extending from the elongated member.
U-Shape
The alignment tool has a U-shape cross-section, the lower part of the U-shape corresponding to the elongated member and the tongue and handle if present raised relative to the elongated member.
Extending Members
The extending members may be roll pins. The extending members are attached to the bearing plate or base plate. The extending members may be located along a central longitudinal axis of the bearing plate or base plate off set from the coupling assembly.
Location Hole
The enclosing member comprises a location hole or holes that the tongue of the alignment tool passes through in order to bear on the coupling assembly.
Method of Coupling
In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a method of connecting a coupled member to a coupling assembly by:
As may be appreciated from the above description, the coupled member may extend at one end from a column and the column may be connected to the coupling assembly via the above method.
The coupling assembly may be attached to a base plate and the coupled member (and column if present) may be connected to the base plate (and substrate to which the base plate may be attached).
The coupling assembly may be attached to a bearing plate and the coupling assembly used to connect two columns together via a second coupled member, one end of which is linked to the second column, optionally via an extension sleeve on the second column.
Selected advantages of the coupling system, coupler tools and methods of use thereof may comprise one or more of the following:
The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.
Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
The above described coupling system, coupler tools and methods of use thereof are now described by reference to specific examples.
For the purposes of examples 1-7 and
The coupling assembly 1 also has an enclosing member (sleeve 7 hereafter), shown in the Figures as a sleeve 7 that fits over the anchor jaws 15 assembly and body 2. The sleeve 7 has a top cap 8 and a bottom cap 9 and an opening in both caps to allow passage of a rod 100 to the anchor. The anchor body 2 diameter is identical or very close to the sleeve 7 diameter with a relatively tight radial tolerance Rt to ensure a snug fit and minimise relative movement between the anchor and sleeve 7.
A spring 5 may be used to pre-engage the anchor. The spring 5 as shown in the Figures is located at the base of the jaw assembly 6 so as to bias the jaw and body 2 tapers 12, 13 together and hence to a tension position urging the external taper 13 of the at least one jaw to abut the internal taper 12 of the body 2. The spring 5 as shown is located inside the sleeve 7, at one end abutting the base of the jaw assembly 6 and at the opposing end abutting the bottom cap 9 of the coupling assembly 1.
The coupling assembly 1 further comprises a release member 4. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the release member 4 is located between the sleeve 7 top cap 8 and the anchor. The release member 4 comprises a collar 3 and a shaft 17. The collar 3 has a diameter similar to or matching the sleeve 7 internal diameter. The shaft 17 has a smaller diameter. The shaft 17 ends bears on the jaw assembly 6. The release member 4 is configured to be urged by a compression force Fc to move in a compression force Fc direction downwards to cause disengagement of the anchor jaws 15 from a first or jaw coupled position to a second jaw released position about distance C. As illustrated in
The release member 4 has a bore though the centre longitudinal axis to allow passage of rod 100 through the release member 4. The release member 4 bore size being a sliding fit to the coupled member. A relatively tight tolerance in fit between the coupled member and release member 4 bore may be important to avoid mis-alignment between the release member 4, enclosing member and coupled member, particularly when release is urged.
The release member 4 when urged to the second position is acting against the bias direction of the bias member. In this embodiment, the release member 4 may be releasably captured by the anchor in the second compression position. Capture in the embodiment shown is achieved by a mating snap ring 21 and opening 22 located between the release member 4 shaft 17 and the anchor body 2, the snap ring 21 and opening 22 engaging together when the release member 4 is in the second compression position.
This capture may be reversed and the release member 4 move back to a first position. Separate tools to achieve release member 4 movement are discussed further below.
As shown in
Opposite compressive movement may cause the anchor jaws 15 to disengage the anchor body 2 about the tapers 12, 13.
The rod 100 at one end which connects to the coupling assembly 1, has a smooth exterior while an opposing end of the rod 100 distant to the coupling assembly 1 may be threaded. The rod 100 diameter at the coupling assembly 1 has a diameter that corresponds to the jaw cross-section opening.
In some embodiments, opposing rods 101, 102 may be connected together via the coupling assembly 1. Rod 101 to rod 102 connection is described further below in the context of column 30a to column 30b connections. One aspect of this rod 101 to rod 102 design may be the use of a spigot ending to the rods 101, 102, one rod 101 end having a male 103 ending and the opposing rod 102 end having a female 104 end. On connection, the rod 101, 102 ends may align together using the spigot form.
In this example, and with particular reference to
The rod 100 may be connected to the column 30 via a permanent and non-reversible connection such as by use of adhesive between the rod 100 and column 30; threading the coupled member into the column 30, and/or use of a fastener or fasteners to fix the rod 100 and column 30 together. One embodiment of connection using a fastener may be to use a barrel nut located inside the column 30 that the rod 100 threads into at one end. The barrel nut is located within a bore 32 in the column 30 and if a tension force Ft is applied, the barrel nut exterior bears on the column 30 bore 32 opening sides.
The coupling assembly 1 sleeve 7 in this example provides a bearing area Fb to transfer a lateral force Fl imposed on the column 30 to a predominantly tensile force on the coupling assembly 1. This may be important in the event of a seismic event that causes both vertical plane movement and horizontal plane movement.
The coupling assembly 1 and rod 100 in this example are located almost entirely within a column 30 bore 32 and the rod 100 and coupling assembly 1 are centrally located within the column 30.
The coupling assembly 1 in this example is attached to a base plate 90 and the base plate 90 fixed to a substrate. The substrate may be a foundation, the ground, a concrete pad, a pile or piles and so on. The base plate 90 is located between column 30 base and a substrate and no gap may exist between the column 30 and base plate 90.
A bolt 91 is located beneath the base plate 90 that the coupling assembly 1 engages to permanently or semi-permanently connect the coupling assembly 1 and the base plate 90.
The base plate 90 has fastening openings and fasteners to allow the base plate 90 to be secured to a substrate.
The base plate 90 includes one or more locating members such as roll pin 81s.
The base plate 90 size corresponds to the size of the column 30 base.
In this example and specifically referring to
In this example a first column 30a is connected vertically to a second column 30b. The connection comprises a first rod 101 coupled to the first column 30a and a second rod 102 coupled to the second column 30b and intermediate the first and second columns 30a, 30b coupling the first and second rods 101, 102 is a coupling assembly 1 like that described above. Spring pins 35 may be used between the columns 30a, 30b.
The above illustrates how two or more columns 30a, 30b may be connected using the coupling assembly 1. Further columns (not shown) may be attached as to either the first or second column 30a, 30b described by use of further coupling assemblies and rods 100.
In this example, an extension sleeve 11 may be used. The extension sleeve 11 shown in the Figures mates with the coupling assembly 1 sleeve 7 including having a similar diameter and length as the coupling assembly 1 sleeve 7.
The extension sleeve 11 as shown is located in a bore 32 in the lower column opposite the bore 32 in the first column.
The extension sleeve 11 encloses part or all of the second rod 102, the second rod 102 extending longitudinally along the extension sleeve 11 longitudinal axis.
A bearing plate 80 may be located between columns 30a, 30b. The upper column 30a bottom and lower column 30b top may be located directly against the bearing plate 80 and any coupling assembly 1 or assemblies hidden within the columns and no gap may exist between the columns 30a, 30b and bearing plate 80. The bearing plate 80 may include one or more locating members such as roll pin 81s. The column 30 and base plate 80 may have an anchor pocket 92.
In this example and with specific reference to
A rod 100 is inserted into the coupling assembly 1 and between the jaws 15. The end of the rod 100 has a leading pilot diameter with a specific length to expand the jaw assembly 6 to match the largest rod 100 diameter and displace the compression spring 5 at the base of the coupling assembly 1.
When a tensile force Ft is applied, the jaw assembly 6 wedges into the internal taper 12 of the anchor body 2, locking the rod 100 in position.
The coupling assembly 1 has an added advantage that it can accommodate compression forces Fc without increasing tensile slip. For example, when the coupling assembly 1 is used in construction, a further compression force Fc may be applied to a first or further column causing compression force Fc direction movement about a lower coupling assembly 1. The coupling assembly 1 can take up this added compression force Fc movement and this does not detract from the tensile strength of the coupling assembly 1.
The compression spring 5 as described above keeps the jaw assembly 6 taper 13 in contact with the body taper 12 in order to provide an initial activation of tensile force Ft capacity.
This example further illustrates the release and arming aspects of the coupling assembly 1 with reference to various Figures but in particular,
One method of releasing a rod 100 from a coupling assembly 1 described above comprises depressing the release member 4 collar 3 to move it from a first position to a second position that pushes the anchor jaws 15 down and into a compression force Fc direction against the bias member bias force.
The release member 4 collar 3 can be depressed using a release tool 40 that, when inserted between the release member 4 collar 3 and top cap 8 of the sleeve 7, pushes the wedge jaws 15 down, releasing the tensile connection of the rod 100. Insertion of the release tool 40 may be urged using a hammer 50. The release tool 40 may access the collar 3 and cap opening by inserting the release tool 40 tine or tines 41 through access holes in the sleeve 7. The top cap 8 acts as a reaction for the lever action of the release tool 40. Various forms of release collar 3 and release tool 40 are possible such as a taper fork, lever, piston, cam, helix, thread and clamp.
As noted above, the release member 4 may be captured in a second position.
In one embodiment, the release tool 40 may comprise two tines 41 that interfere with the release member 4 and causes urging of the release member 4 to the second compression position. Each release tool 40 tine comprises an angled ending 42 so that so that as the tine 41 inserts between the sleeve 7 and release member 4 collar 3, the size of the tine 41 ending 42 increases and in doing so, increases the gap between the sleeve 7 top cap 8 and release member 4 collar 3 top, urging the release member 4 to the second compression position. The release tool 40 as shown has two parallel tines 41 with a spacing between the tines 41, the two tines 41 linked by a release tool 40 body.
The release openings 19 in the embodiments shown are located proximate an interface between the release member 4 and the sleeve 7 top cap 8 being towards the top of the sleeve 7 to expose the interface between the top cap 8 and release member 4 collar 3.
The release opening(s) 19 are sufficiently long so that the release opening 19 length matches the extent of movement of the release member 4 between the first and second positions. The release opening(s) 19 are sufficiently wide to accommodate the release tool 40 tine described above.
The release openings 19 may in term correspond to opening 33 in the column if a column is present so as to allow the tines 41 of the release tool 40 to pass through the column 30 and to the coupling assembly 1.
The arming tool 60 may like the release tool 40 have a tine or tines 61 and the tine or tines 61 may have an angled ending 62 to urge part separation. The arming tool 60 may in this example by rotated in direction Fz so as to urge an upwards force on the release member 4 collar 3 relative to the arming opening 20 base.
The arming opening 20 in the sleeve 7 may be sized like the release opening 19 to allow access for the tool to the interface between the anchor body 2 and release member 4 collar 3 and have a length commensurate with the extent of movement of the release member 4 between the first and second positions. The arming opening 20 may be offset by distance 23 in a vertical plane relative to the release opening(s) 19, this offset 23 coordinated with the relative positions of the release member 4.
The arming opening 20 in the sleeve 7 may also be located as to correspond to a similar sized opening 34 through the column 30 assuming a column 30 is present to allow arming tool 60 access from outside the column 30.
A guide opening 24 may also be included in the sleeve 7 that interfaces with an alignment tool 70 described further below.
While in the above description separate tools have been described, it may be appreciated that the same tool may be used for both release and arming. A single tool for both actions may comprise a tine and an angled tine end.
In this example and referring to
The alignment tool 70 may comprise a tongue 73 configured to extend through an alignment opening 24 in the sleeve 7 and, connected to the tongue 73 is an elongated member 72 with a guide slot, the guide slot elongated in a longitudinal direction to mate with roll pins 81 on a bearing plate 80 or base plate 90 and therefore restrict movement of the tongue 73 towards or away from a side of the coupling assembly 1 but not from side to side. The alignment tool 70 further comprises a handle 71 extending from the elongated member 72. The alignment tool 70 has a U-shape cross-section, the lower part of the U-shape corresponding to the elongated member 72 and the tongue 73 and handle 71 raised relative to the elongated member 72.
In this example and specifically referring to
Most structural design regulations for seismic and other sudden events (e.g. collapse due to explosion) require that connections demonstrate a safe ductile failure mode.
As shown in
Other components in the connections could also be designed as the mechanical fuse 105. For example, a specific low strength steel could be specified for the rod 100 in place of a geometric mechanical fuse 105.
In this example and examples 9 and 10 below,
More detail on the coupling assembly 501 itself is provided in detail views shown in
The release member 504 collar 503 in this example may be urged against the bias of the spring 515 by use of hydraulic fluid that enters a hydraulic cavity 530a, 530b (best seen in
The hydraulic fluid shown as dark region 530a and 530b in
Hydraulic pressure acts on a piston 505, which is housed and sealed by O-rings 518 (or other seals) into the top cap 508. An external bearing ring 513 may be located on the piston 505 exterior to smooth movement relative to the sleeve 507.
Unlike the earlier embodiment, the piston 505 may be held in the extended release position by retaining hydraulic fluid in the chamber 530b. There is no need in this hydraulic embodiment to include a mechanical latch such as a snap-ring 21 described in earlier embodiments.
The fill point for hydraulic fluid may be a non-return device 506 (such as a grease nipple or similar) located on the top cap 508 of the coupling assembly 501. The top cap 508 may also comprise a bleed screw or hydraulic plug 509 that may be used to remove hydraulic fluid/hydraulic pressure from the coupling assembly 501. Opening of the screw may release pressure and surplus grease from the top cap 508. As hydraulic pressure is released, the spring 515 bias returns the jaws 516 to an armed position.
The bleed screw 509 size and shape may be selected to optimise the reset speed and piston 505 movement speed. Excess hydraulic fluid from the bleed screw 509 can be captured in a specially-designed cavity (not shown), or wiped away.
As may be noted from at least
In this further embodiment, the coupling assembly 501 may further comprise pre-tensioning elements that act to tension a rod or rods 750, 760 against a column or columns 702, 703 prior to an over-turning force being applied. Pre-tensioning minimises any slack in movement prior to the coupling assembly 501 taking effect and the load path noted above being imposed. Without pre-tensioning it is possible that some degree of movement may occur before the load path engages which may not be ideal.
As shown, particularly in
A similar process may occur for the lower column 703 and lower rod 760. The lower column 703 may comprise a bore 701 that a lower barrel nut 960 may be fitted into. The lower rod 760 engages the lower barrel nut 960 and a lock nut 514, in this embodiment located on the base of the coupling assembly 501, engages an upper end of the lower rod 760. The lock nut 514 is tightened so as to pull the lower rod 760 up towards the coupling assembly 501 and cause the lower barrel nut 960 side to bear on the bore 701 side in the lower column 703 and thus take up any slack in movement of the lower rod 760 relative to the lower column 703.
This barrel nut 950, 960 approach may be used instead of adhesive between the column 700 and rod 750, 760 described elsewhere in this specification. Alternatively the barrel nut 950, 960 or rod 750, 760 or both may also be adhered to the column 700 as well. The inventors have found that barrel nut 950, 960 use not only provides a way to pre-tension the rods 750, 760 but also is a very strong and effective way to link the rods 750, 760 to the column 700.
As best seen in
The sleeve 507 for the coupling assembly 501 may, as noted in earlier embodiments, comprise openings 520 that allow a tool to be inserted to act on the release member 504. In this embodiment, the openings 520 are provided only at sleeve 507 positions corresponding to re-arming points where the release member 504 might be urged to move upwards against the piston 505 to cause the spring 515 to urge the jaws 516 to recouple with a rod 750, 760. Asymmetric sleeve 507 opening 520 placement about the sleeve 507 circumference and at variable heights may be used as shown in
Ductile failure may be important as this is a predictable form of failure and avoids unwanted damage possible from brittle failure. As noted elsewhere in this specification, the ductile failure mode may be achieved via a mechanical fuse or by use of geometry to cause a weak point that is designed to fail via ductile means in advance of failure elsewhere. Many steel coupler systems (e.g. reinforcing bar couplers) are known to struggle to achieve this ductile failure requirement because brittle failure can occur at or within the coupler. In this example, and as particularly shown in
One method of assembly of the above further embodiment may be as per the following steps:
In this example, a lifting arrangement is shown where the coupling is used to hold a hook 800 that may be used to lift and install a lower column 703.
Manual release may be enabled by providing a separation between the hydraulic piston 505 if used, and the release member 504. This may allow the release member 504 collar 503 to be depressed by a tool, without needing to displace the hydraulically-locked piston 505.
As noted elsewhere in this specification, the coupling assembly described herein locates the coupling parts within the column bulk and in doing so, increases fire resistance. This is because there is no direct exposure to fire of the metal parts of the coupling that might conduct heat and cause localised charring about the coupling/column interface. In many art couplings, the metal parts are exposed and heat from a fire is rapidly conducted through the metal coupling causing localised charring and possible degradation of the coupling interface and risk of coupling failure. Concealment is also beneficial for aesthetic reasons. Further, concealment of the steel parts of the connections can provide an advantage for mass timber construction by enabling protection of the connection by sacrificial charring of the cover layer of timber which is non-structural and hence the building remains stable.
The International Building Code 2021 (US) specifies a maximum temperature for steel connection components during a fire in a tall timber building. These cannot currently be achieved by conventional technology (e.g. intumescent paint) if the steel is exposed. The ability to conceal the connection within a protective char layer of timber is often deemed essential by the building designer.
Guidance notes for similar mass timber design practice are being issued in other regions (e.g. Europe, New Zealand, Australia), and legislation in these countries is likely to follow suit.
The described embodiments herein can achieve desired codes around fire protection due to the nature of the concealment. To illustrate this,
In this example,
As may be appreciated from the above description, release of the coupling may be a useful feature to enhance installation and re-installation or maintenance as required. Release of the coupling assembly described above is largely as shown in
In
Aspects of the above described coupling system, coupler tools and methods of use thereof have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021901949 | Jun 2021 | AU | national |
| 2021903998 | Dec 2021 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NZ2022/050083 | 6/28/2022 | WO |
