Concrete Strike-Off Form With Grate Straightedge Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual concrete strike-off processes result in poor conformity to desired grades due to the unstable nature of wet concrete, making it labor-intensive and inefficient, especially when repositioning forms on concrete that has lost plasticity.

Innovation Solution

A portable form apparatus with a rigid straightedge assembly and a grate attached to a support bar, allowing for easy alignment and repositioning on concrete that has lost plasticity, using a variable-height support system and laser receiver for precise elevation adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pan is picked up and repositioned manually, then the form can be moved to new locations, but the effort required increases due to the extra weight and movement of the pan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of repositioning formVSAvoidweight of pan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The form is divided into two separable components: the pan and the straightedge assembly with support. This allows the lightweight straightedge assembly to be moved independently for repositioning, while the heavier pan remains stationary or is moved separately, significantly reducing the effort required to reposition the form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support is extracted as a separate movable component that can be detached from the pan. This extracted support structure carries the straightedge assembly, allowing operators to move only the necessary components for positioning without handling the entire heavy pan assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If wet concrete is used as elevation reference, then strike-off operations can be performed, but poor conformity to desired grade results due to the plastic, unstable character of wet pads and wet screeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of strike-off operationVSAvoidconformity to desired grade

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is positioned and stabilized on the concrete surface before the strike-off operation begins. This preliminary positioning establishes a fixed, stable reference elevation that does not change during subsequent concrete placement and strike-off operations, ensuring consistent grade conformity throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid support structure serves as an intermediary between the concrete surface and the straightedge. It transfers and maintains the reference elevation from the stable support base to the straightedge, providing a reliable intermediate reference that ensures accurate grade conformity regardless of concrete surface conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7476053B2Portable form and method for using same for concrete strike-off

Publication Date: 2009.01.13 LASER STRIKE

AI summary

A form for concrete strike-off has a rigid straightedge assembly and a support coupled to one end of the straightedge assembly. The straightedge assembly includes a grate coupled to the bottom edge of a support bar. The grate extends away from the support bar with a top surface of the grate defining a plane on at least one side of the support bar. In use, a portion of the straightedge assembly defines a reference elevation for concrete strike-off operations.