Extendable Beam Coupler for Reusable Masonry Openings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masonry construction methods for creating openings such as windows or doorways using wood frames are costly, limited to single-use, require labor-intensive installation and removal, and can disrupt construction processes, while wood frames also cause rough finishings and limited access.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a U- or C-shaped steel housing with extendable members that can be forged or welded, allowing for adjustable extension to fit various opening sizes, and includes couplers for connecting multiple units to traverse large openings, providing structural integrity and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wood frames are used to create openings in masonry, then the openings can be formed, but the frames are costly, limited to single-use, and require labor-intensive installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The beam incorporates telescopic sections that allow the length to be dynamically adjusted. The beam can be extended to span the opening during construction and then retracted for removal and reuse, transforming a static single-use frame into a dynamic reusable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the beam to change its overall length while maintaining structural integrity, enabling both adaptation to different opening sizes and compact storage for reuse.
2Manufacturing precision
If wood frames are customized to fit specific opening sizes, then the fit can be precise, but material waste increases due to cutting and reworking
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting wood to fit specific openings, the telescopic beam dynamically adjusts its length to match any opening size within its range. This eliminates the need for cutting and reworking wood, thereby preventing material waste while maintaining precise fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam's length parameter can be continuously changed by extending or retracting the telescopic sections. This parameter adjustment allows the beam to adapt to different opening sizes without material removal, contrasting with the static wood frame that requires cutting.
3Strength
If wood frames are left in place to maintain openings, then structural support is provided, but access through the opening is limited and rough finishings occur
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic beam provides structural support when extended across the opening and can be retracted when not needed. This dynamic capability allows the beam to alternately provide support and allow access, unlike a permanent wood frame that continuously blocks access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If single-side telescoping lintels are used, then the lintel can adapt to different opening sizes, but the extension capability is limited to nearly doubling the size from one side
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is segmented into multiple telescopic sections that can extend from both ends. This bilateral telescoping design doubles the adaptability compared to single-side telescoping, allowing the beam to achieve greater length variations without increasing the complexity of individual telescoping mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for traversing an opening of a construction element the system including a elongated housing with two extendable elements configured to reside at least partially within the housing. The extendable elements may extend beyond the housing and may include flanges or ledges which may engage the ends of a construction element, which may be a wall, and thus allow the system to traverse the opening of a construction element, such as a window or door. A coupler may be utilized to connect to a more than one elongated housing element to provide for traversal across even larger openings. The system may allow a user to easily manipulate the system to fit a plurality of openings and reuse the system a countless number of times.