Adjustable Concrete Embed Support Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for embedding objects like steel plates and anchor bolts in concrete are time-consuming and material-intensive, requiring extensive setup and cleanup, with wasted resources due to custom wood supports and L-angles that need grinding after concrete pouring.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a support device with a shaft and tower that can be adjusted and locked to desired heights, allowing objects to be securely embedded in concrete without the need for custom setups or post-pour cleanup, using a platform with locking teeth and a base that minimizes surface contact and can be easily secured within concrete forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom wood supports and L-angles are used for embedding objects in concrete, then the objects can be securely positioned, but extensive setup and cleanup time is required and materials are wasted due to grinding after pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components: a base portion that remains in the concrete, a shaft portion that extends upward, and an embed portion that holds the embedded object. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for custom-cut wood supports while reducing setup time and material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is pre-assembled with the embed portion attached to the shaft portion before placement in the concrete form. This preliminary assembly eliminates on-site customization and setup time, allowing workers to simply install the pre-fabricated unit and pour concrete without subsequent cleanup or grinding operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom wood supports are built for each embed, then specific positioning requirements can be met, but material usage increases and labor is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The support system uses standardized base and shaft components that can be universally applied to various embedded objects (anchor bolts, steel plates, electrical boxes, etc.). This universal design eliminates the need to build custom wood supports for each specific embed, reducing material consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy through adjustable height mechanisms and precise mounting features.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system incorporates adjustable height parameters through the shaft portion, which can be configured to different lengths and positions. This parameter adjustability allows the same standardized components to achieve precise positioning for different embed locations and requirements, eliminating material waste from custom-built supports.
3Reliability
If L-angles are installed on deck formwork to secure wood supports, then embeds can be held in place, but grinding is required after pouring to remove excess material
Solution Approach 1:
The support system extracts only the necessary portion (base portion) to remain in the concrete for anchoring, while the shaft and embed portions extend above the concrete surface for their intended function. This extraction principle eliminates the need for L-angles and subsequent grinding, as the support structure is designed to leave no excess material requiring removal after pouring.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing temporary external supports (L-angles on formwork) and then removing them via grinding, the invention inverts the approach by using an integrated support system where the base portion is designed to remain embedded and the functional portions extend upward, eliminating the need for post-pour cleanup entirely.
4Reliability
If traditional embed installation methods are used, then objects can be embedded in concrete, but the process is time-consuming and material-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support system merges the anchoring function (base portion), the structural support function (shaft portion), and the embed mounting function (embed portion) into a single integrated assembly. This consolidation eliminates multiple separate operations (building wood supports, installing L-angles, positioning embeds) into one streamlined installation process, significantly improving productivity while ensuring reliable embedding.
Solution Approach 2:
The embed portion is pre-attached to the shaft portion at the correct orientation and position before installation. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and eliminates on-site adjustment time, allowing rapid installation that maintains embedding reliability while dramatically increasing installation speed and overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting and holding in place an object (for example and not by way of limitation, anchor bolts, steel plates and the like) to be embedded in concrete. A device having a shaft and a tower can be used to support the object, by inserting the shaft into an opening in the tower and rotatably locking the shaft in place at the desired height, an embed can be supported in the desired position. Concrete can be poured around the support to embed the object at the desired position within the concrete.