Intersectional Rebar Support with C-Shaped Clamping and Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rebar spacer systems face challenges with corrosion, size variability, and securing rebars, particularly at intersections, where different sizes and perpendicular layers require efficient and corrosion-resistant solutions.
Innovation Solution
A rebar support system featuring a base with upwardly extending channels and C-shaped clamping structures, reinforced ribs for stability, and a cap with slots for easy installation, allowing for secure retention of rebars and free concrete flow, while being corrosion-proof and easy to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If twisted wire is used to secure rebars to chairs, then the rebar can be held in place, but the wire rusts or decomposes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the durable but corrosive twisted wire with a plastic wrap-around member that is intentionally designed to be sacrificial and replaceable. The plastic member is inexpensive and can be easily replaced if damaged, rather than requiring permanent corrosion-resistant metal fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical twisting wire system with a plastic wrapping system that uses friction and deformation to secure rebars. The plastic member is deformed around the rebar and chair leg, creating a secure hold without metal-to-metal contact that would cause corrosion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different sized chairs are manufactured to accommodate different concrete thicknesses, then all thickness requirements can be met, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable legs with telescoping or expandable mechanisms that allow the chair height to be dynamically changed. This enables a single chair design to accommodate multiple concrete thicknesses by adjusting the leg length, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size chair inventories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal chair with adjustable legs and a modular plastic wrap-around member that can secure different rebar configurations. This single chair design serves multiple functions across different thickness requirements, replacing the need for multiple specialized chair types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If perpendicular layers of rebar are coupled to the same chairs, then intersectional support is achieved, but the complexity of securing both layers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the securing functions for both perpendicular rebar layers into a single integrated plastic wrap-around member. The member is deformed to simultaneously engage both the first rebar layer and the second perpendicular rebar layer, as well as the chair leg, creating a unified securing mechanism that simplifies the intersectional support process.
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base and a having a channel formed in an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel and second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. Each of the first and second clamping structures includes a first C-shaped member and a second C-shaped member extending flexibly upwardly from the support structure and facing in opposite directions. A cap is slidably affixed over these C-shaped members and the channel.