Composite Reinforcement Support with Multi-Height Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reinforcement systems for composite structures, such as concrete slabs, face challenges in effectively supporting reinforcement materials during the construction process, particularly in maintaining the materials in position until the composite material hardens, and in providing adequate strength to prevent reflective cracking.
Innovation Solution
A support member system comprising a base member with vertically oriented leg members of varying heights, designed to receive and secure reinforcement materials, allowing for multiple layers of reinforcement and featuring a fastener system for secure attachment to a substrate, with removable leg members for easy installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing reinforcement systems are used to support reinforcement materials, then the materials can be positioned during construction, but the systems lack adequate strength to prevent reflective cracking and cannot effectively maintain materials in position until hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple vertical leg members of different heights (first, second, third, and fourth leg members) that can receive reinforcement materials at different elevations. This segmentation allows the system to provide multi-level support and effectively maintain reinforcement materials in position throughout the hardening process, resolving the reliability issue while the integrated base member provides sufficient strength to prevent reflective cracking.
2Strength
If a fixed support structure is used, then strength is provided, but installation and adjustment are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical leg members are designed to be removable from the base member without tools, allowing the support structure to transition between a stable installed state and an easily adjustable state. This dynamic design enables workers to install and adjust the support members quickly while maintaining structural strength when assembled, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
3Strength
If multiple layers of reinforcement are required, then strength against cracking is improved, but the complexity of positioning and supporting multiple layers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is designed with multiple vertical leg members that can simultaneously support multiple layers of reinforcement materials at different heights. This multi-functional design allows a single support member to handle multiple reinforcement layers, providing the necessary strength to prevent reflective cracking while simplifying the overall positioning system and reducing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If vertical leg members are made removable without tools, then ease of installation is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical leg members are designed with self-latching or self-retaining features that allow them to be easily removed without tools while automatically securing themselves when installed. This self-service mechanism ensures that the leg members maintain structural integrity and reliability when assembled, while still providing ease of installation and removal for adjustment or reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A support member for supporting a reinforcement material in a composite structure comprises a base member and first and second vertical leg members on opposing sides of the base member. The first and second vertical leg members have a first height relative to the base member. The first and second vertical leg members each have an opening configured to receive at least one strand of the at least one layer of reinforcement material. Third and fourth vertical leg members are on opposing sides of the base member and have a second height relative to the base member different from the first height of the first and second vertical leg members. The third and fourth vertical leg members each have an opening configured to receive at least one strand of the at least one layer of reinforcement material.