Embedded Lifting and Leveling Assembly for Precast Concrete Slabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for leveling precast concrete slabs, such as precise surveys and 'mud jacking,' are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A lifting and leveling assembly embedded in precast concrete slabs, comprising a threaded sleeve with legs, an end cap, and a plate cover with an annular collar, allows for the slab to be lifted and leveled by screwing a lifting bolt through the sleeve, enabling adjustment and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional leveling techniques (precise surveys, mud jacking, excavation, plastic shims, grout pads) are used to level precast concrete slabs, then leveling can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling assembly is pre-installed into the concrete slab during manufacturing or placement, before the slab is installed at the final location. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming post-installation leveling operations, as the adjustment mechanism is already in place and ready for quick adjustment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the leveling function from complex traditional methods (mud jacking, excavation, grouting) and consolidates it into a single integrated assembly embedded in the slab. This extracted leveling mechanism can be independently adjusted without affecting the surrounding concrete structure, significantly reducing time and cost.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional leveling techniques (precise surveys, mud jacking, excavation, plastic shims, grout pads) are used to level precast concrete slabs, then leveling can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple traditional leveling components (sleeve, legs, end cap, plate cover, clips) into a single integrated assembly that is manufactured as one unit or pre-assembled together. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate materials (grout, plastic shims, excavation equipment) and reduces both material and labor costs while maintaining precise leveling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling assembly uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The threaded sleeve, end cap, and plate cover are basic mechanical parts that are much cheaper than the materials and equipment required for traditional methods like mud jacking or precision grouting.
3Productivity
If the lifting and leveling assembly is embedded in precast concrete slabs, then lifting and leveling can be enabled efficiently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a threaded sleeve for lifting, legs for support, an end cap for sealing, and a plate cover with clips for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing complex functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single leveling assembly performs multiple functions: it provides structural support through the legs, enables vertical adjustment via the threaded sleeve, seals the mechanism with the end cap, and attaches to the slab surface with the plate cover and clips. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components or operations, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
This solution reduces the time and cost associated with leveling precast concrete slabs by providing a method to lift and level sections efficiently, allowing for precise adjustment and stabilization without the need for extensive excavation or grouting.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded sleeve having a first end and a second end... for enabling a precast concrete slab to be lifted and leveled by screwing a lifting bolt through the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting and leveling assembly is configured to be embedded in a precast concrete slab for enabling a precast concrete slab to be lifted and leveled. The lifting and leveling assembly includes a threaded sleeve having a first end and a second end, a plurality of legs fixedly attached to and extending from the threaded sleeve, an end cap selectively covering the first end of the threaded sleeve, and a plate cover comprising an annular collar for releasably connecting the second end of the threaded sleeve to the plate cover.