Backer Rod Installation Tool Wheeled Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual insertion of elastomeric foam backer rods into concrete contraction joints is time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to inefficiencies and waste in the process.
Innovation Solution
A specially designed wheeled tool with a first wheeled carriage and a series of backer rod depressing wheels, along with adjustable positioning means and a backer rod guiding system, allows for efficient and economic installation of backer rods within concrete expansion joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual insertion of backer rod is used, then installation precision can be maintained, but productivity is significantly reduced and labor time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device transforms the static manual insertion process into a dynamic automated system where the carriage moves along the joint and multiple wheels simultaneously insert backer rod at different positions, dramatically increasing installation speed while maintaining precision through controlled mechanical motion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple backer rod insertion functions into a single integrated device where several wheels on one carriage work simultaneously on multiple joints or multiple passes, consolidating what would require multiple manual operations into one coordinated system
2Ease of operation
If manual insertion method is used, then device complexity remains low, but ease of operation deteriorates due to laborious repetitive work
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components including the carriage, multiple independent wheels, and adjustable positioning mechanisms, allowing each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage acts as an intermediary carrier that holds and coordinates multiple wheels, translating operator control into synchronized backer rod insertion across multiple positions, thereby simplifying the operation while achieving complex results
3Manufacturing precision
If backer rod is inserted to proper depth control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system uses dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the wheels to be set at precise depths and maintain that depth throughout the insertion process, with the carriage movement providing consistent positioning without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates preliminary positioning adjustments that are set before operation begins, allowing the wheels to be pre-configured at the correct depth and angle, thereby achieving precise backer rod insertion without requiring complex real-time positioning controls during operation
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 a single worker to progressively install long lengths of backer rods in a timely manner, reducing man-hours and ensuring proper depth and alignment within the joints.
Implementation Method 1
friction between the backer rod and the joint's walls effectively holds the backer rod at a desired depth
Implementation Method 2
A first structural component of the instant inventive backer rod installation tool comprises a first wheeled carriage
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for installing a length of backer rod, the backer rod being sized for insertion into a contraction joint within a concrete slab, the tool including a first carriage; a plurality of wheels mounted upon the carriage, the wheels being arranged for facilitating rolling motion of the first carriage along the contraction joint; a second carriage sized for suspension beneath the first carriage; a plurality of backer rod depressing disks including a frontmost disk, each disk being mounted rotatably upon the second carriage; jack screw disk positioners interconnecting the carriages and being adapted for, upon the rolling motion along the contraction joint, downwardly extending the disks into the contraction joint; a backer rod guide tube connected to the first carriage and being adapted for continuously positioning the length of backer rod beneath the disks; and a handle connected operatively to the first carriage.