Adjustable Weldment Plate Support for Precast Panel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weldment plate supports in precast concrete panel construction lack versatility, with limited adjustability and size compatibility, leading to inaccurate positioning and increased costs due to the need for multiple supports for different stud and panel sizes.
Innovation Solution
A weldment plate support system featuring adjustable fingers to accommodate various stud diameters and removable segments for height adjustment, allowing the support to be customized for multiple stud and panel sizes, with a top flange for increased strength and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size support is used to engage the stud, then the support can be simple in structure, but it cannot accommodate different stud diameters and panel sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into multiple removable segments that can be selectively removed to adjust the vertical height of the support. This segmentation allows the same support structure to accommodate different panel sizes by removing appropriate segments, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are designed to be deflectable rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adjust to different stud diameters. When a stud is inserted, the fingers deflect outward to accommodate the stud body and then return to their original position, providing a universal engagement mechanism for various stud sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size supports.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple different supports are used for different stud sizes and panel sizes, then each specific size can be precisely accommodated, but the number of supports increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed as a universal, multi-functional device that can accommodate multiple stud diameters (through deflectable fingers) and multiple panel sizes (through removable segments). This single support design replaces the need for multiple specialized supports, thereby reducing inventory requirements and costs while maintaining precise positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support allows for parameter changes in its vertical height by enabling the selective removal of segments. This parameter adjustment capability allows the same support to be precisely configured for different panel sizes, eliminating the need to maintain multiple supports with fixed heights for different applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support has fixed vertical height, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different panel sizes requiring different weldment plate heights
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is segmented into multiple sections that can be selectively removed to adjust the vertical height. This segmentation provides a simple mechanism for height adjustment without requiring complex mechanical systems, thereby achieving adaptability for different panel sizes while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 enables precise and adjustable positioning of weldment plates within precast concrete forms, accommodating different sizes and heights, thereby reducing costs and improving assembly accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible portion is located between adjacent segments of the plurality of segments... breaking the frangible portions and adjusting the length of the plate support
Implementation Method 2
the fingers are generally oriented perpendicular to the body. As the fingers press into the stud, the fingers deflect outward to receive the stud, and then deflect at least partially inward when the fingers fully receive the stud
Data Source
AI summary
A weldment support for holding a weldment plate in a precast concrete form is provided. The weldment support holds the weldment plate at a predetermined position so that the weldment plate is exposed on one side of the finished precast concrete panel. Weldment plates have one or more studs extending into the form to anchor the plate in the precast concrete panel. The weldment support has multiple adjustment features to secure the weldment support to different sizes of studs and to set the weldment plate at different positions within the form. In some embodiments, one adjustment feature is a plurality of deflectable fingers that engage the stud of the weldment plate, and another adjustment feature is a plurality of segments that can be broken off of the support to set the position of the weldment plate in the form.