Adjustable Screed Hardware for Concrete Grade Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining accurate grade or elevation across large areas of poured concrete is challenging due to the fluid nature of wet concrete, requiring labor-intensive methods and multiple individuals for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A screed hardware apparatus with an adjustable peel-and-stick base, cap, and post that allows for precise height adjustments and serves as a grade marker, enabling a single individual to ensure uniform concrete elevation during the screeding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wet screeding methods are used with hand floats and sight rods, then grade establishment is possible, but labor intensity increases and measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The screed is divided into modular components including an extensible tubular member with segmented sections that can be adjusted in length, and a separate handle assembly. This segmentation allows for easier handling and positioning while maintaining measurement precision through the laser guide system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems (hand floats, sight rods, laser levels requiring multiple operators) with an automated laser guide system integrated into the screed. The laser projectors and receivers automatically establish grade references, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing labor intensity while improving precision.
2Productivity
If large areas of concrete are poured to maintain uniform grade, then productivity increases, but maintaining consistent elevation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates laser receivers that detect the position of the screed relative to laser-projected grade lines. This provides continuous feedback to the operator, allowing real-time adjustments to maintain consistent elevation across large concrete areas. The feedback mechanism ensures grade consistency while enabling high productivity through efficient monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The screed assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a screeding tool for leveling concrete and a measurement reference through its integrated laser guide system. The extensible tubular member can be adjusted to different lengths and configurations, allowing the same device to handle various bay sizes and grade requirements, thus maintaining precision across large areas while improving productivity.
3Productivity
If the screed is made extensible to reach across bays, then productivity improves, but stability of the apparatus decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member is designed with extensible capabilities allowing it to dynamically adjust its length based on the bay size being screeded. When extended, the member reaches across larger bays to improve productivity. The dynamic adjustment mechanism includes locking features that stabilize the extended configuration during the screeding operation, thus maintaining stability while enabling productivity improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The extensible tubular member contains nested sections that can be telescoped to extend or retract the overall length. This nesting arrangement allows the screed to be compact for transport and storage, yet extendable to reach across large bays during operation. The nested design maintains structural stability through interlocking mechanisms while enabling the productivity benefits of extended reach.
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
Facilitates accurate and efficient pouring and screeding of concrete, reducing labor and ensuring consistent grade across large areas with improved precision and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The grade marker may include an adhesive base for attaching the grade marker to a formwork or surface
Data Source
AI summary
A screed hardware apparatus for adjusting a grade height in screeding concrete. The apparatus includes a cap configured to attach to a base. The cap includes a post mount portion, a grade surface portion that abuts the post mount portion, and one or more flexible antenna that extend from the grade surface portion.