Expansion Joint Straightener Tool with Guide Flanges

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for setting expansion joints in concrete construction are inefficient and often result in aesthetically inferior joints due to the iterative process of visually straightening, which may not ensure true straightness.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a manually engageable handle and a downwardly open expansion joint receiving channel, along with upwardly projecting parallel flanges, allows for one-pass straightening of expansion joints and the establishment of control joints using a uniquely configured insert piece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual inspection and iterative tapping method is used to straighten expansion joint, then the worker can make adjustments based on visual feedback, but the process requires multiple cycles (5-10 iterations) and repeated standing/bending movements, resulting in time-consuming and inefficient operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestraightness of expansion jointVSAvoidoperation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A straight edge guide is introduced as an intermediary tool between the worker's visual inspection and the expansion joint. The straight edge provides an objective reference standard that the expansion joint can be compared against, eliminating the need for repeated visual assessments and iterative adjustments. The tool includes a straight edge with indication means that clearly shows when the expansion joint is properly aligned, reducing the number of adjustment cycles from 5-10 to just 1-2 cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If visual inspection method is used to assess straightness, then the worker can evaluate the expansion joint appearance, but the assessment is subjective and may not ensure true straightness, resulting in aesthetically inferior expansion joints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of inspection methodVSAvoidaccuracy of straightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The straight edge guide acts as an objective intermediary reference that replaces subjective visual inspection. It provides a known straight reference line against which the expansion joint can be measured, transforming the subjective visual assessment into an objective measurement process. The indication means on the straight edge clearly shows when proper alignment is achieved, ensuring accurate straightness verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual visual inspection process is replaced with a mechanical measurement system consisting of the straight edge guide and indication means. This mechanical system provides objective, repeatable measurement of straightness, eliminating the variability and subjectivity of human visual assessment while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the worker repeatedly stands up and bends down to inspect and adjust the expansion joint, then visual assessment can be performed at different angles and positions, but this iterative process consumes excessive time and reduces work efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of inspectionVSAvoidtime for adjustment cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The straight edge guide serves as a stationary intermediary reference that remains in place during the straightening process. Instead of the worker moving to different positions for inspection, the expansion joint is adjusted against this fixed reference. This eliminates the time-consuming repeated standing and bending while ensuring complete inspection coverage through the objective reference provided by the straight edge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If traditional manual straightening method is used, then the worker has flexibility in making adjustments from different positions, but the process is inefficient and requires 5-10 adjustment cycles before achieving visual straightness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in adjustment approachVSAvoidnumber of adjustment cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The straight edge guide provides a flexible yet objective reference system that can be positioned at various locations along the expansion joint. It maintains the flexibility of manual adjustment while providing objective feedback that reduces the number of adjustment cycles from 5-10 to 1-2 cycles, significantly improving productivity without sacrificing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9506206B2Expansion joint straightener control joint tool and related methods

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 PUCCIARELLI JOSEPH A

AI summary

A tool for concrete construction has a base provided with downwardly open channel for receiving an expansion joint with movement of tool effecting straightening of expansion joint. Generally upwardly directed flanges are structured to be cooperating with a straight edge for facilitating straight movement of tool during straightening of expansion joint. The tool may also be employed to establish control joints. Related methods are provided.