Adjustable Piering System with Integrated Coupling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrically loaded piering systems are prone to breakage due to offset loads and loose adjusting components that can fall off during soil movement, and they struggle with sloped foundation surfaces, requiring frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A piering system featuring a heave plate attached to the foundation with a permanently attached socket, a coupling assembly with a captive nut, and a shim-block supported by a headplate, which provides adjustable height without loose components, and a method of constructing the system using overlapping cylinders and concrete anchors for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If loose adjusting components (shims) are used in concentrically loaded piering systems, then adjustability is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the components can fall off during soil movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjusting components into a single integrated assembly that remains attached to the pier. The coupling assembly combines the adjustment mechanism with retention features, eliminating loose shims while maintaining adjustability. This integration ensures that the adjustment function is preserved but the components cannot fall off during soil movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling assembly as an intermediary component between the pier and the foundation. This coupling assembly includes retention features that prevent loss of adjusting components while still allowing for necessary adjustments. The intermediary structure mediates between the need for adjustability and the need for reliability during soil movement.
2Ease of operation
If concentrically loaded piers are installed directly under the wall, then support effectiveness is improved, but strength deteriorates due to breakage from offset loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pier installation dynamic by allowing for adjustment of the pier position and orientation. The coupling assembly enables the pier to be adjusted to compensate for offset loads, transforming a static, fragile installation into a dynamic, adaptable structure that can maintain strength while remaining effectively positioned under the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting and positioning the pier and coupling assembly before final installation. The adjustment mechanism allows the pier to be pre-positioned to account for potential offset loads, strengthening the pier's resistance to breaking while maintaining its effective support position.
3Strength
If the piering system uses fixed components, then strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the system cannot tolerate sloped foundation surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities to the piering system, allowing the pier and coupling assembly to be adjusted to accommodate sloped foundation surfaces. This dynamic adjustment maintains the structural strength of the pier while enabling adaptation to varying foundation conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed strength and flexible adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A piering system includes a heave plate attached to a foundation and supported by a pier. A downward facing socket is permanently attached to the heave plate. The socket receives the top end of a heavy stud of a coupling assembly, the bottom end of the stud is screwed into a captive nut of a shim-block. A nut is welded to the stud leaving about ½ inch of the stud protruding upwards for insertion into the socket. The nut may be turned to adjust the height of the stud. The shim-block and coupling assembly are supported by a head plate which is supported by the pier. The head plate includes a wide table for supporting a pair of jacks on opposite sides of a house jack facilitating installation of the system. The cooperation of the ball and socket helps to prevent “off-set loads” which otherwise may break the piering system.