Adjustable Brace for Precast Concrete Panel Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braces for precast concrete panels are limited in length and strength, making it difficult to stabilize large panels during tilt-up construction, as longer braces are cumbersome to transport and store, and extensions reduce the load-bearing capacity when attached.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable brace system comprising a first elongate member with a hollow interior and a second elongate member, allowing for interconnection without significantly reducing the maximum load capacity, with a locking mechanism and adjustable features to extend the brace length up to 20% while maintaining load support equal to the second elongate member alone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the brace length is increased to stabilize larger panels, then the panel stabilization capability is improved, but the transportability and storability of the brace deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrace lengthVSAvoidtransportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brace is divided into two separable elongate members (first elongate member and second elongate member) that can be transported and stored separately, then assembled at the job site to achieve the required longer length for stabilizing large panels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If extensions are attached to braces to increase length, then the brace length is increased, but the load-bearing capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrace lengthVSAvoidload-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second elongate members are designed to be interconnected through a chamber and locking member mechanism that merges them into a unified structural unit, allowing the brace to achieve extended length while maintaining the load-bearing capacity of the second elongate member alone through the combined strength of both members working together

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If telescoping braces with sliding members are used to adjust length, then the brace length is adjustable, but the load-bearing capacity decreases as length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength adjustabilityVSAvoidload-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The brace incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the first elongate member can be inserted into and locked within the chamber of the second elongate member at different positions, allowing the brace length to be adjusted while maintaining full load-bearing capacity through the locking member that secures the configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11091923B2Brace for a precast concrete panel

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 MEADOW BURKE LLC

AI summary

An adjustable brace to support a precast concrete panel in a substantially vertical orientation. The adjustable brace includes a first elongate member selectively secured to a second elongate member. The first elongate member can be interconnected to the second elongate member at a job site without significantly decreasing the maximum load that the second elongate member can support.