Bendable Construction Bracket for Pipe Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for holding pipes during concrete foundation pouring often result in pipe misalignment and exposure during wall construction, as they are either removed post-concrete setting or fail to serve additional structural functions.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with a bendable flange that secures the pipe to a form board, allowing it to be bent into an upright position after concrete setting, serving as both a nail shield and structural tie for the pipe and wall framing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If brackets are removed after concrete has set to serve only as temporary pipe holders, then the pipe positioning function is achieved, but the brackets provide no further structural function and require additional components for nail shielding and structural tying
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the pipe in position during concrete pouring, serves as a nail shield to protect the pipe during wall construction, and acts as a structural tie to connect wall framing members to the foundation. This eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket combines the pipe holding function, nail shielding function, and structural tying function into a single integrated component. The same bracket that positions the pipe during construction also provides protection and structural connection, merging multiple previously separate functions into one element.
2Manufacturing precision
If pipes are attached directly to form boards or blocks, then pipe positioning is achieved, but portions of pipes remain exposed and misalignment occurs during wall construction
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is attached to the form board before concrete pouring, establishing the precise pipe position in advance. The upright portion of the bracket extends through the concrete to provide a reference for wall construction, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before subsequent construction steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary element between the form board and the pipe, and later between the concrete foundation and the wall framing. It mediates the connection and alignment between different construction stages, ensuring precise positioning throughout the building process.
3Reliability
If additional components are used for nail shielding and structural tying, then pipe protection and wall structural integrity are improved, but construction time and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket provides pipe protection during wall construction and structural tying functionality without requiring additional components. This multi-functionality reduces material costs and simplifies the construction process, improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves itself by providing multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components. The same structure that holds the pipe also shields it from nails and ties the wall framing to the foundation, eliminating the need for additional protective and structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Bracket for holding a pipe in position during the pouring of a concrete foundation and thereafter serving as a nail shield for the pipe and/or as a structural tie or strap in constructing a wall on the foundation. The bracket has an upright base engagable with an inner face of a form board, and first and second flanges extending in opposite directions from the base for engagement with an upper edge of the form board and with the pipe, with the first flange being bendably attached to the base in a manner permitting it to be bent from a horizontal position perpendicular to the pipe to an upright, shielding position parallel to the pipe. The bracket is attached to the form board with the first flange in its horizontal position on top of the board, and the pipe is attached to the second flange, with a portion of the pipe extending above the form board. Concrete is poured to the top of the form board and allowed to set. The fasteners securing the upper flange to the form board are removed, the form board is stripped away from the concrete, and the upper flange of the bracket is bent from the horizontal position to the upright position. A bottom plate for a wall is installed on top of the concrete along the side of the foundation, with the pipe extending through an opening in the bottom plate and the upright flange extending along a side edge of the bottom plate adjacent to the opening to provide a nail shield for the pipe. The flange is affixed to the bottom plate on opposite sides of the opening to tie the bottom plate together across the opening.