Flush Core Hole Plug With Beveled Bolt And Rubber Expansion Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for plugging core holes in concrete and wood flooring often result in permanent closure or unsightly bumps, which can pose hazards and obstruct future access.
Innovation Solution
A core hole plug system comprising a top and bottom compression plate with a rubber expansion ring, allowing for flush installation and easy removal, along with an integrated installation tool and optional electrical connections, ensuring unobtrusive and flexible access solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concrete is utilized to patch the existing core holes, then the core hole is permanently closed, but future access is lost and the surface may be uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The plug assembly is divided into multiple separable components including a top plate, bottom plate, expansion ring, and fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the plug to be installed securely to provide permanent closure while enabling easy removal and reuse for future access needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly incorporates a dynamic fastening system with a bolt and nut that can be tightened to secure the plug permanently or loosened to remove it. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the same assembly to provide both permanent closure when installed and future access when removed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a core hole cover is utilized to reserve future access, then future access is preserved, but a bump is created that causes hazards and liability
Solution Approach 1:
The top plate is designed with a beveled edge that matches the angle of the bottom surface of the head of a flat head bolt. This local quality feature ensures that the bolt remains flush with the top plate when installed, creating a smooth surface that eliminates trip hazards while preserving future access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly replicates the appearance and surface level of the surrounding floor by using a top plate with a beveled edge that accepts a flush-mounted bolt head. This copying of the floor surface geometry eliminates the bump that would otherwise create a trip hazard.
3Strength
If a flat head bolt is used to secure the plug, then secure installation is achieved, but the bolt may protrude and create a hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The top plate incorporates a beveled edge at a specific angle that precisely matches the beveled surface of the flat head bolt. This local quality match ensures that when the bolt is tightened, its head sits perfectly flush with the top plate surface, providing secure installation without any protruding elements that could create hazards.
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
The system provides a secure, unobtrusive, and easily removable plug that maintains floor surface integrity, allowing for future access and accommodating various shapes, sizes, and electrical needs, enhancing safety and aesthetics in commercial and residential settings.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber expansion ring that separates the top and bottom compression plates... The rubber expansion ring can be squeezed between the top and the bottom compression plates
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device, and method for plugging core holes. A core hole plug includes a top compression plate, a bottom compression plate, and a rubber expansion ring that separates the top and bottom compression plates. A beveled screw hole can be created on the top compression plate. The beveled screw hole matches the angle of the bottom surface of the head of a flat head bolt to ensure that the bolt remains flush with the top compression plate. The rubber expansion ring can be squeezed between the top and bottom compression plates as the flat head bolt is screwed into a threaded receiver nut formed on the bottom compression plate. An installation tool can be utilized to install the core hole plug so that the top compression plate remains flush with an existing floor surface.