Adjustable Aluminum Joist Subframe for Leveling and Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joist subframing systems are unsatisfactory due to high weight, susceptibility to decay and insect infestation, inability to be easily adjusted for level surfaces, and incompatibility with waterproofing systems, leading to potential water damage.
Innovation Solution
A joist subframe system featuring adjustable metallic elongate frame members with built-in attachment mechanisms, allowing for customizable height and level adjustments, and compatibility with various waterproofing systems, using stainless steel fastening and securing components to ensure durability and water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional wood joist beams are used, then structural strength is achieved, but weight increases and susceptibility to decay and insect infestation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining aluminum extrusions (for strength and light weight) with adjustable support members (for adaptability). This composite approach replaces solid wood with a hybrid system that achieves comparable structural strength while eliminating rot and insect susceptibility, and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum extrusions are designed with variable wall thicknesses and cross-sectional geometries optimized for specific load requirements. By changing dimensional parameters of the aluminum profiles, the system achieves required structural strength with minimal material usage, thereby reducing weight compared to conventional wood beams.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fixed-height joist frames are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to uneven surfaces and height adjustments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed-height rigid connections to adjustable dynamic connections through threaded support members that can be positioned at multiple heights and secured at desired positions. This allows the structure to adapt to uneven surfaces while maintaining stability through secure fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The joist system is divided into separate modular components: aluminum extrusions, adjustable support members, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables easy adjustment of height and positioning without compromising overall structural stability.
3Strength
If conventional joist systems are used, then structural support is provided, but compatibility with waterproofing systems deteriorates and water damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediary elements including foam boards and waterproofing membranes positioned between the aluminum extrusions and the underlying structure. These intermediaries serve as barriers that prevent water infiltration while allowing the structural support function to remain effective, thus resolving the conflict between structural integrity and waterproofing compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Waterproofing membranes (thin flexible films) are integrated into the assembly, conforming to the structural components while providing continuous water barrier protection. These flexible membranes adapt to the geometry of the aluminum extrusions and support members, ensuring waterproofing effectiveness without compromising structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
Joist subframe systems including vertically arranged support members each having adjustable height securing members coupled with the support member in a fixed position and horizontally arranged elongate frame members configured to support one or more overlying surface members and shown and described. Each of the elongate frame members including an elongate body with at least one horizontal wall and one or more support member attachment mechanisms configured to couple one of the support members to the elongate body. In some examples, the adjustable height securing members are selectively tightenable and loosenable to the support members for adjustable coupling to the support member and to releasably fix a position of the support member to one of the plurality of elongate frame members.