Adjustable Support Arm with External Thread for Concreting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing elements like floor traps and pipes during concreting are complex, slow, and imprecise, particularly in achieving the correct height, due to stepwise adjustment limitations and difficulties with formwork irregularities.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable support arrangement with a rotatable support arm and locking means that can be joined at any point, allowing stepless height adjustment and easy installation, featuring a support arm with an outer thread and locking means with internal helical threads for secure positioning without rotational alignment, and a foot for accommodating irregularities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional support rings or fastening methods are used, then elements can be installed during concreting, but the installation process becomes complicated and slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm is divided into multiple sections with external threads that can be independently adjusted and connected. This segmentation allows for quick assembly and height adjustment without complex fastening procedures, directly improving installation speed while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm incorporates adjustable sections with external threads that can be rotated to change the height position dynamically. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for multiple pre-fabricated height options, simplifying the overall device while enabling fast adaptation to different installation requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional stepwise adjustment methods are used, then elements can be positioned at discrete height levels, but precise height adjustment becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight positioning precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm features continuously adjustable external threads that allow smooth rotation and positioning at any height level rather than discrete steps. This dynamic adjustment mechanism achieves precise height positioning without requiring complex multi-component adjustment systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height position is adjusted by changing the rotational parameter of the external threads along the support arm. This continuous parameter change enables precise positioning at any height level while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple and straightforward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If locking means are fixed in position, then installation is straightforward, but adaptation to formwork irregularities becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformwork adaptation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means are designed to be movable along the support arm rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned to accommodate formwork irregularities. This dynamic positioning capability maintains installation ease while significantly improving adaptability to different formwork conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is segmented into adjustable sections with movable locking means that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the locking means to adapt to formwork irregularities without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire support system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If support arms require rotational alignment, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring rotational alignment to achieve secure connection, the design inverts the approach by using external threads that engage through lateral insertion. The threading mechanism automatically provides secure connection without requiring precise rotational alignment, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables quick, precise, and cost-effective installation of elements to the correct height, maintaining position despite rough handling, and accommodating formwork irregularities, with the ability to adjust and secure elements easily and efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

a support arm (3) provided with an outer thread (2), which is arranged to project from the element (1) towards the mounting base (8), and with locking means (4)... the support arm and locking means being guidable into the jointing member (5)... arranged to be joined to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2898159B1Arrangement and method for supporting an element
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 VIESER
  • EP2898159B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2898159B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2898159B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arrangement and method for supporting an element (1) from a mounting base (8) by at least one elongated support arm (3) provided with an external helical thread (2). For this purpose at least one locking means (4) is arranged to at least one optional location on the elongated support arm (3) provided with the external helical thread (2), the locking means being, in turn, guided into at least one jointing member (5) provided in the element. Hence the support arm (3) projects from the element (1 ) towards the mounting base (8) in the position of use of the element. The projection of the support arm (3) is then adjustable by a rotating movement accomplished in relation to the longitudinal axis of the support arm. The element set approximately into a desired height position, together with its projecting support arms, is placed against the mounting base, after which the precise position of the element may be adjusted by rotating the support arm in relation to the locking means. Finally, the support arm is fastened to the mounting base by a fastening means.