Concrete Deck Depth Measuring Device with Stepped Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth measurement tools for concrete decks are inadequate, as they often require multiple tools and can be inaccurate due to deflection or deformation in plastic concrete, and fail to measure concrete cover depth effectively over rebar grids.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose depth measuring device with an elongated spine, a fixed stepped blade, and a depth probe with a pointed or beveled tip, allowing for simultaneous measurement of concrete depth and cover depth over rebar grids without additional tools, using a scale aligned with the probe's indicator for accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stiff wire or dowel is used to measure concrete depth, then the measurement can be obtained, but the wire or dowel easily deflects and deforms in plastic concrete leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid backbone structure, a separate blade element for cover depth measurement, and a probe for total depth measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, reducing mutual interference and improving overall measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rigid backbone as an intermediary structural element that supports the measuring components. This backbone acts as a stable reference frame, preventing the deflection and deformation problems experienced by simple wires or dowels, while still allowing the measuring elements to contact the concrete and rebar.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used to measure both total depth and cover depth, then comprehensive measurements can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple measuring tools into a single integrated device. The backbone with attached blade and probe combines total depth measurement, cover depth measurement, and rebar location detection into one unified tool, eliminating the need to carry and switch between multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple measurement tasks: total concrete depth, cover depth over rebar, and rebar location detection. This multi-functionality is achieved through the versatile backbone structure that can accommodate different measuring elements for different measurement objectives.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large measuring tool is used to span rebar grid spacing, then cover depth can be measured, but the tool becomes difficult to handle and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional L-shaped measuring approach to a three-dimensional configuration with the backbone extending vertically and the blade positioned horizontally. This dimensional change allows the blade to span rebar spacing while the backbone remains compact and easy to handle, separating the spanning function from the handling function.
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 mounted longitudinally within an internal channel of 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.