Concrete Deck Depth Gauge With Stepped Blade
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth measurement tools for concrete decks are inaccurate and cumbersome, often requiring multiple tools and external measuring devices, leading to hasty and inaccurate readings due to deflection and deformation issues with traditional wire or dowel methods, especially when measuring concrete cover depth over rebar grids.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose depth measuring device featuring an elongated spine with a fixed stepped blade and a depth probe having a pointed or beveled tip, allowing for simultaneous measurement of concrete depth and cover depth without additional tools, using a scale aligned with an indicator for precise readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a stiff wire or dowel is used to measure concrete depth, then the measurement tool is simple and readily available, but the wire or dowel deflects and deforms when inserted into plastic concrete, leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid L-shaped bar for measuring concrete cover depth over rebar, and a separate depth probe for measuring total concrete depth. Each component is optimized for its specific measurement function, preventing the deflection and deformation issues that plague single-purpose tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rigid L-shaped bar as an intermediary tool that spans the rebar grid to measure concrete cover depth. This intermediary structure provides a stable reference frame that eliminates the deflection problems of direct wire insertion, allowing accurate measurement of the distance from the rebar to the concrete surface.
2Measurement precision
If multiple tools (wire, L-shaped bar, tape measure) are used to measure both total depth and cover depth, then comprehensive measurements can be taken, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate tools into a single integrated measuring device. The L-shaped bar and depth probe are combined into one unit that can measure both concrete cover depth and total concrete depth without requiring the inspector to switch between multiple tools, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining measurement completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both cover depth measurement (using the L-shaped bar spanning rebar) and total depth measurement (using the depth probe). This universal tool eliminates the need for separate specialized tools for each measurement type, streamlining the inspection process.
3Productivity
If measurements are taken quickly to meet time constraints, then the construction schedule is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to hasty readings
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed so that the L-shaped bar can be positioned on the rebar grid and the depth probe can be inserted to the concrete surface simultaneously, establishing both measurement references in advance. This preliminary positioning allows for quick, accurate readings without the need for sequential tool adjustments, maintaining both speed and precision.
4Measurement precision
If the depth probe is inserted to the full depth of concrete, then total depth measurement is obtained, but the coarse aggregate can deflect or deform the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The depth probe features a rounded or beveled tip instead of a sharp point. This curved geometry distributes the insertion force across a larger area, reducing the likelihood of the probe being deflected or deformed by coarse aggregate particles during insertion into the plastic concrete.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring the depth of concrete comprising an elongated spine, a stepped blade attached at the distal end of the spine and having a plurality of bi-lateral steps having a predetermined width and height tapering toward the distal end of the spine, a depth probe slidably attached longitudinally along the spine and including an indicator; and a scale aligned with the indicator. The depth probe may have a pointed or beveled distal tip which is useful for penetrating concrete or other aggregate materials. The stepped blade is provided into concrete and comes in contact with the top of the rebar grid, with the steps measuring the depth of the concrete cover over the rebar. The depth probe is plunged into the concrete until the tip reaches the bottom. The scale measures the distance between a distal tip of the depth probe and the leading edge of the blade.