Bridge Support System for Rotted Floor Joist Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for addressing rotted seal plates in flooring systems, particularly in homes with crawlspaces, require costly and invasive repairs, as they necessitate removing wall framing, floor joists, and underlayment, and do not allow for permanent stabilization without tearing apart components.
Innovation Solution
A solution involving a support system placed between foundation columns with brackets that gently raises flooring joists, disperses weight from damaged areas, and serves as a permanent replacement for the compromised seal plate, allowing for mitigation of rot and leveling without invasive repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional repair methods are used to address rotted seal plates, then the rot can be mitigated, but extensive demolition is required including removing wall framing, floor joists, and underlayment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the support function from the seal plate by introducing independent steel I-beam posts that bear directly on the foundation. This segmentation allows the flooring system to be supported separately from the rotted seal plate, enabling rot mitigation without requiring removal of components attached to the seal plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The steel I-beam posts serve as an intermediary element between the foundation and the flooring system. These posts transfer the load from the joists to the foundation through the rotted seal plate area without requiring removal of the seal plate or attached components, thus mitigating rot while avoiding extensive demolition.
2Manufacturing precision
If a house jack is used to level the floor, then the floor can be leveled, but it cannot be left in place permanently due to inspection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the temporary house jack with permanent steel I-beam posts that are designed to remain in place indefinitely. These posts provide continuous support and leveling without violating inspection requirements, as they become part of the permanent foundation structure rather than temporary props.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from temporary wooden props or house jacks to permanent steel I-beams. This parameter change enables the support structure to meet permanent stabilization requirements while maintaining the floor leveling function.
3Force
If wood is used to prop up the flooring system, then the floor can be supported, but termites will damage the wood
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces organic wood materials with inorganic steel I-beams that provide equivalent or superior structural support capacity while being completely resistant to termite damage. This material substitution maintains the required support force while eliminating the reliability issue of termite infestation.
4Strength
If the rotted seal plate is completely removed and replaced, then structural integrity is restored, but all components attached to the seal plate must be removed first
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from the rotted seal plate by introducing independent steel I-beam posts that bear directly on the foundation. This extraction allows the seal plate to remain in place with attached components while the structural support function is provided by the separate posts, dramatically simplifying the repair process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of removing the seal plate and its attached components to replace it, the invention inverts the approach by leaving the seal plate in place and providing support through a different path (steel posts to foundation). This inversion eliminates the need for complex disassembly and reassembly of attached components.
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 non-invasive, cost-effective floor leveling and stabilization by lifting joists, mitigating rot, and providing a permanent fix without removing attached components, thus avoiding extensive demolition.
Implementation Method 1
The top part physically pushes on the joist as the handle is turned. 4 identifies the male side that is turned to lift the joist; it is threaded through Numerical 3.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool designed using a support beam that attaches to the block foundation wall with brackets. A plurality of support screws can be adjusted laterally as needed to line up with the floor joists. Once the support screws are properly placed, they can be manually turned lifting the flooring system as warranted. This invention provides an alternative to disruptive repairs when rot is discovered. The design spans the affected area creating a bridge of support lifting the weight off the rotted area allowing repairs or replacement. The brackets, length of bridge and individual lifting mechanisms operate to level out the flooring in the living area of a home.