Centric Pier Torsion Adapter for Shifting Soil Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pier systems are inadequate for supporting structures with shifting loads, as they lack adjustability and rotational capability, leading to off-center alignment, reduced contact surface, and increased risk of failure due to uncontrolled rotation and shifting soil conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable torsion assembly with a spherically rotatable torsion coupler and a multiaxial joint allows for controlled rotation and adjustment of the load-bearing surface, providing improved support and stability by maintaining contact with the footing even as the soil shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional pier systems use fixed load bearing plates welded to vertical shafts, then secure joints in fixed orientation are achieved, but the ability of the bearing plate to rotate or adjust is prevented or limited
Solution Approach 1:
The load bearing plate is made rotatable relative to the vertical shaft through a controlled rotation mechanism, transforming the fixed static connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the plate to rotate to maintain optimal contact with the footing as soil shifts, while still maintaining a secure joint through the controlled nature of the rotation capability.
2Reliability
If conventional eccentric piers are driven vertically into the earth adjacent to the footing, then support is provided, but alignment between the support bracket and the vertical shaft shifts as soil expands and contracts
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable load bearing plate provides a dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for alignment shifts between the support bracket and vertical shaft. As soil expands and contracts causing the footing to shift, the plate can rotate to realign with the vertical shaft, maintaining proper support stability while accommodating alignment changes that would otherwise compromise the system.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional pier systems use fixed orientation load bearing plates, then installation is simpler, but the contact surface between the bearing plate and footing reduces when the supported surface shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable load bearing plate maintains maximum contact surface area with the footing by allowing rotation as the supported surface shifts. This dynamic adjustment ensures the full contact surface remains engaged with the footing even when soil movement causes misalignment, whereas a fixed plate would progressively lose contact area.
4Device complexity
If conventional pier systems lack rotational capability, then structural simplicity is maintained, but uncontrolled rotation and shifting soil conditions increase the risk of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled rotation capability of the load bearing plate provides a regulated rotational mechanism that prevents uncontrolled rotation while accommodating necessary adjustments. This controlled dynamics approach maintains relative system simplicity while dramatically improving failure resistance by allowing the plate to adapt to soil movement and maintain proper alignment, eliminating the risk of uncontrolled rotation failure.
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 solution enhances structural stability, reduces the need for additional shims or grout, and minimizes excavation and material costs, while ensuring the pier system remains effective over time by allowing for limited rotation and maintaining a stable contact surface.
Implementation Method 1
a spherically rotatable torsion coupler
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an improved centric pier system and method for installation which in one embodiment includes a torsion adapter configured for slidable receipt of a torsion block assembly with a spherical support and a spherically rotatable torsion coupler; the torsion block assembly extending through a channel presented by vertical support at the torsion adapter which is aligned with the torsion block and the vertical support.