Concealed Masonry Lintel with Stiffener and Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concealed lintel support systems for masonry constructions face challenges in supporting large spans without compromising aesthetics, as existing solutions often require exposed supports that are not aesthetically pleasing and lack sufficient reinforcement for longer spans.
Innovation Solution
A lintel system comprising a spanning member with support plates and a stiffener, where support rods connect masonry blocks to the spanning member, providing reinforcement and allowing the system to be concealed within the masonry structure, capable of supporting weights over longer spans without altering the structural envelope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional concealed lintel support systems are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved by hiding supports, but span capability deteriorates and cannot support large openings
Solution Approach 1:
The lintel system is divided into multiple segments: a first lintel portion extending across the opening and a second lintel portion extending from the first portion. This segmentation allows the system to span larger openings by breaking the continuous span into manageable sections that can be supported at intermediate points while maintaining concealed support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the lintel support system by positioning the second lintel portion at a different elevation or depth relative to the first portion. This dimensional change enables additional support mechanisms that do not interfere with the aesthetic appearance while providing the necessary structural capacity for longer spans.
2Strength
If support structures are added to increase span capability, then structural strength is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to exposed supports
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are nested within the masonry blocks themselves. The lintel portions are positioned to be substantially concealed within the masonry blocks, allowing the masonry to serve as both the visible aesthetic element and the housing for the structural support components.
Solution Approach 2:
Masonry blocks serve as intermediary elements that bridge the aesthetic requirement and structural requirement. The blocks conceal the lintel portions while transmitting structural loads, effectively mediating between the need for hidden supports and the need for visible aesthetic surfaces.
3Strength
If lintel depth is increased to improve span capability, then structural strength is improved, but structural envelope is altered
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lintel into multiple portions, the system achieves enhanced span capability through distributed support rather than increasing the depth of a single continuous lintel. This allows the structural envelope to remain consistent while the segmented portions provide the necessary structural performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A lintel system for supporting masonry blocks above an opening in a structure includes a lintel configured to span a width of the opening. The lintel includes a single spanning member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a side face extending between the top and bottom edge. Supports are disposed at longitudinal ends of the single plate member. A stiffener is attached to the lintel for reinforcing the lintel. The stiffener extends in opposed relation to the side face along at least a portion of the side face.