Height Adjustable Foundation Columns for Post Frame Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for constructing and reinforcing post frame buildings are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to structural failure due to wood rot and insect infestation, requiring invasive repairs that disrupt operations and are expensive, while existing structures often need to be demolished to accommodate larger equipment, which is time-consuming and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable foundation column system using corrosion-resistant materials with a multi-sided sleeve reinforcement device that can be easily installed and adjusted to stabilize and raise existing structures, providing a durable and adaptable foundation resistant to decay and insect damage, allowing for increased interior space without the need for extensive excavation or heavy machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wooden posts are used for foundation construction, then the structure can be built with simple materials and methods, but the posts are susceptible to rot, decay, and insect infestation leading to structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining steel reinforcement bars (rebar) with concrete to create a reinforced concrete foundation system. This composite structure provides both the simplicity of conventional construction methods and the durability needed to resist rot, decay, and insect infestation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the foundation by transitioning from organic wood materials to inorganic reinforced concrete materials. This parameter change fundamentally alters the resistance to biological degradation while maintaining construction feasibility, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and structural integrity.
2Ease of repair
If large holes are excavated for traditional repair methods, then new posts can be installed next to existing posts, but the process becomes invasive, labor intensive, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the foundation repair process by allowing individual failing posts to be addressed separately through targeted excavation and replacement, rather than requiring complete foundation demolition. This segmentation enables easier repair of specific problematic areas while maintaining overall construction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing replacement posts with pre-attached foundation brackets before installation. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site construction time and labor requirements, thereby improving productivity while maintaining the ability to repair failing posts effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing structures are demolished to accommodate larger equipment, then sufficient interior space can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing an adjustable foundation system where posts can be raised to different heights using extension mechanisms. This dynamic adjustability allows the structure to adapt to larger equipment requirements without demolition, thereby gaining interior space capacity while avoiding time loss associated with complete reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the height parameter of existing foundation posts through mechanical extension or replacement with taller posts. This parameter change increases the interior vertical space capacity to accommodate larger equipment while preserving the existing structure, thus avoiding the time-consuming demolition and reconstruction process.
4Reliability
If pre-cast concrete posts are used instead of wood, then resistance to rot and decay is improved, but the possibility of blow outs that compromise foundation integrity remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining steel rebar reinforcement within concrete foundation posts. This composite construction provides resistance to environmental degradation like rot and decay while the steel reinforcement prevents blow-outs and maintains foundation stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods for use in constructing new structures, including post frame structures. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods for replacing traditional wood and/or precast concrete columns utilized in building a new construction foundation, with a height adjustable foundation column assembly constructed from a corrosion resistant material. The present disclosure also relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods useful for reinforcing existing post frame structures, particularly those with framing elements requiring repair.