Drop Head Wedge Mechanism for Accessible Concrete Slab Shoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoring devices for concrete slabs require cumbersome and confined hammering to loosen wedge nuts, which are often located near or in the same plane as the supported members, making it difficult to operate in tight spaces and requiring a changing strike location.
Innovation Solution
A drop head system with a post, beam support member, and wedge member that allows for longitudinal and transverse sliding movements, enabling secure beam attachment and easy release without rotational motion, facilitated by accessible strike zones and angled projections for hammer operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rotating wedge nut is used near the supported members, then the beam support is secured, but the accessibility for hammer operation is poor and the strike location constantly changes
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge member is extracted from the traditional rotating nut configuration and repositioned to extend beyond the outer perimeter of the beam support member. This extraction allows the strike zone to be located away from the confined space between beams, providing consistent accessibility for hammer operation while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the wedge nut to tighten/loosen, the invention inverts the operation by using linear sliding motion of the wedge member along the post. The wedge member slides longitudinally to secure or release the beam support, eliminating the need for rotational hammering and providing straightforward linear adjustment.
2Reliability
If the wedge member requires rotational motion to loosen, then the securing mechanism works, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional rotational tightening mechanism into a linear sliding mechanism. The wedge member moves along the post in a straight line rather than rotating, simplifying the operation to a single directional motion for both securing and releasing the beam support.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge member is segmented with a slot that allows it to slide independently along the post while maintaining engagement with the beam support member. This segmentation enables the wedge to move linearly for adjustment while still providing the necessary securing function through its position relative to the beam support.
3Device complexity
If the wedge nut is located in the same plane as supported members, then the structure is compact, but the hammer strike location constantly changes
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge member is taken out from the plane of the beam support member and extended beyond the outer perimeter. This extraction creates a dedicated strike zone that is accessible from the side, allowing consistent hammer application at a fixed location regardless of the beam support position.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge member is positioned in a different spatial dimension by extending beyond the outer perimeter of the beam support member rather than being coplanar with it. This dimensional change creates an accessible strike zone that is offset from the beam support plane, providing consistent hammer accessibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient assembly and disassembly of shoring systems with improved accessibility and reduced operational complexity, allowing for secure beam support and easy removal of temporary supports once concrete strength is achieved.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge member has top and bottom surfaces, an outer wall portion, and a slot defined in the wedge member... configured to engage the lower surface of the beam support member when the wedge member is moved longitudinally toward the upper portion of the post
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A shoring system for concrete slabs is disclosed. One such system includes a drop head with a beam support member which can be moved between lower and upper positions, and a wedge member which locks the beam support member in its upper position by a translational, sliding movement thereof. Wedge member includes a narrower toe portion and a wider heel portion, and the toe portion is insertable past corresponding engagement surfaces on the post of the drop head, to support the wedge member in its upper position. The beam support member has a lower surface engaged by the wedge member and such lower surface is longitudinally spaced from the upper surface of the beam support member, so that there is open space between the wedge member and the bottom surfaces of beam supported by the upper surface of the beam support member.