Adjustable Grade Bracket for Precise Concrete Form Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concrete form systems face issues with lumber degradation and safety hazards due to cracking and splintering, and challenges in accurately supporting form components at a desired grade level during concrete pouring.
Innovation Solution
The development of a grade bracket system that includes a body, form support member, and adjustable grade knob with an eye-bolt for securing to a stake, allowing for precise positioning and support of form components at various grades, using durable materials like metal for the form components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional lumber is used for form components, then the form can be easily constructed, but the lumber cracks and splinters during concrete pouring, causing material waste and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional lumber to engineered wood products (LVL, PSL, GLulam) which have superior structural properties. These engineered materials maintain ease of construction while eliminating the cracking and splintering problems of traditional lumber through controlled manufacturing processes that enhance durability and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite engineered wood materials that combine multiple layers or components to create formwork elements with enhanced strength and stability. These composite structures resist the stresses of concrete pouring without cracking or splintering, thereby eliminating material waste and safety hazards while maintaining ease of assembly.
2Productivity
If traditional nailing methods are used to assemble form components, then the form can be quickly constructed, but the lumber cannot be reused after concrete pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the form system into modular, reusable components that can be disassembled and reused. By segmenting the formwork into standardized elements connected by removable fasteners, the system enables quick assembly and disassembly while preserving the integrity of the form components for repeated use, thereby eliminating material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where form components are designed to be recovered and reused after concrete pouring. The use of engineered wood products and reusable fastening systems allows the formwork to be dismantled, inspected, and reused multiple times, transforming the traditional single-use approach into a sustainable recycling process that eliminates material waste.
3Device complexity
If form components are supported directly on the ground, then the construction process is simple, but the form cannot be precisely positioned at the desired grade level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable support elements as intermediaries between the ground and the form components. These support elements, such as adjustable legs or shims, provide a simple yet precise mechanism for positioning the formwork at the desired grade level, combining ease of implementation with accurate positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and movable support components that allow the formwork to be dynamically positioned at the correct grade level. These dynamic supports can be easily adjusted during construction to achieve precise positioning, maintaining simplicity while enabling accurate grade control through straightforward height adjustments.
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 quick and accurate adjustments to maintain form components at the correct grade, preventing material waste and safety hazards, while allowing for durable and reusable form systems that can accommodate various perimeter shapes and lengths.
Implementation Method 1
The eye-bolt is configured such that it frictionally engages the stake that passes therethrough, thereby securing the grade bracket in a desired position.
Data Source
AI summary
A grade bracket for use with concrete form systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, the grade bracket forms part of a concrete form system that includes a plurality of form components, including straight forms, curved radius forms, and skin panels for interconnecting form components. The form components are assembled atop a ground surface and are configured to define a volume for containing poured concrete. Grade brackets for supporting the form components at a desired grade above the ground are used. Each grade bracket includes a body, a form support member, and a grade knob. The form support member attaches to the body and includes a bracket portion that supports the form component. The grade knob includes an eye-bolt. A stake secured in the ground is selectively engaged by the eye-bolt of the grade knob such that the grade bracket is maintained at a desired position on the stake.