Adjustable Post Anchoring with Visual Compression Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge protection systems for high-rise buildings, particularly those using concrete slabs, face challenges in ensuring secure anchoring and withstanding increasing loads due to evolving jurisdictional requirements, while also seeking cost-efficient solutions.
Innovation Solution
A post anchoring system with an elongate member, adjustable jaws, and a compression clamp that includes a visual indicator to ensure sufficient compressive force is applied, securing the post to a concrete slab or structure, thereby resisting disengagement and accommodating lateral loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a compression clamp is used to secure the post to the concrete slab, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustable jaws and visual indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The upper jaw is made adjustable along the elongate member to accommodate varying concrete slab thicknesses, transforming a static device into a dynamic one that adapts to different installation conditions. This adjustability maintains anchoring strength across various slab configurations without requiring multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
A visual indicator is integrated into the compression clamp to provide immediate feedback on whether sufficient compressive force has been applied. This feedback mechanism ensures proper installation and maintains anchoring strength by allowing workers to verify clamp engagement without specialized equipment or complex procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between upper and lower jaws is made adjustable to accommodate different slab thicknesses, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The upper jaw can be positioned at multiple locations along the elongate member to accommodate different concrete slab thicknesses. This dynamic adjustability allows a single device to adapt to various installation conditions, improving versatility while maintaining a relatively simple adjustment mechanism.
3Reliability
If the compression clamp is designed to withstand increasing lateral loads per jurisdictional requirements, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to more stringent material and design requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The compression clamp is pre-loaded during installation to apply sufficient compressive force that friction between the jaws and concrete slab resists subsequent lateral loads. This preliminary action creates a self-reinforcing connection that meets reliability requirements without needing overly complex or expensive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression clamp and post assembly appears to be designed as a disposable or single-use component system. By using readily available materials and standard manufacturing processes for these non-reusable components, the system achieves reliability through proper design and installation rather than through expensive, highly durable materials that would be difficult to manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a secure, adjustable, and cost-effective means of anchoring edge protection systems, ensuring compliance with jurisdictional requirements and resisting disengagement under load, while allowing for easy inspection of clamping integrity.
Implementation Method 1
said compression clamp releasably engagable with a surface of the a slab or a structure when said post is positioned about the slab or the structure with said upper jaw adjacent to one surface of the slab or the structure and said lower jaw adjacent to the opposite surface of the slab or the structure
Implementation Method 2
said compression clamp including a visual indicator to provide visual notice of the application of sufficient compressive force by said compression clamp
Implementation Method 3
to accommodate a predetermined lateral load upon said elongate member and to thereby resist the disengagement of said post from the slab or the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A post for anchoring to a structure. The post comprising an elongate member, a lower jaw secured to the lower end of the elongate member, and an upper jaw releasably securable to the elongate member to permit an adjustment of the distance between the jaws. The post includes a compression clamp secured to the upper jaw and releasably engagable with a surface of the structure when the post is positioned about thereabout with said upper jaw adjacent to one surface of the structure and said lower jaw adjacent to the opposite surface. The compression clamp includes a visual indicator to provide visual notice of the application of sufficient compressive force to secure the jaws on opposite sides of the structure in order to accommodate a predetermined lateral load upon the elongate member and to resist the disengagement of the post from the structure.