Joist Spanner Assembly for Wall Straightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foundation reinforcement systems are inadequate as they often require significant excavation, limit interior space, and are prone to failure due to varying soil types, and do not allow for aesthetically pleasing support solutions, especially when dealing with lateral forces from expansive soils and hydrostatic pressure.
Innovation Solution
A joist spanner assembly with slidably connected inner and outer brackets that can be positioned between two adjacent joist members, allowing for a vertical support member to be securely attached, minimizing intrusive effects and maximizing interior space, while providing flexible support between joist members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wall anchoring systems anchor walls to stable soil outside the wall, then they counteract soil pressure, but they require significant excavation of surrounding earth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from exterior soil anchoring and relocates it to interior joist members. The spanner assembly and vertical support members provide wall support by transferring loads to the building's interior structural framework (joists), eliminating the need to anchor into exterior soil and thus avoiding significant excavation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spanner assembly acts as an intermediary component that transfers wall loads to the joist members. Instead of directly anchoring to exterior soil, the system uses the spanner assembly as a mediator to distribute and transfer structural loads through the interior joist framework, resolving the contradiction between reliable support and excavation requirements.
2Strength
If braces extend diagonally from the floor to the foundation wall, then they provide reinforcement, but they significantly limit interior space of the room
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement of support members from diagonal extension into the room volume to vertical orientation along the wall plane. The vertical support members run vertically between floor and ceiling, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than consuming horizontal interior space, thus maintaining room area while providing reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is localized to specific vertical positions along the wall where needed, rather than using continuous diagonal braces that occupy space throughout the room. The vertical support members are positioned at specific locations (e.g., at midspan between joists) to provide localized reinforcement without compromising overall interior space.
3Strength
If support members are tied into ceiling and floor joists, then they provide necessary support, but they limit the spacing of support members to match existing joist spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The spanner assembly incorporates adjustable mechanisms (such as sliding connections or telescoping elements) that allow the distance between joist attachment points to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the support system to adapt to various joist spacings and positioning requirements, providing versatility while maintaining secure attachment to the joist framework.
4Strength
If vertical support members are positioned to abut the wall, then they extend between floor and ceiling to support the wall, but they create localized stress at midpoints between adjacent vertical support members
Solution Approach 1:
The wall support system is segmented into multiple vertical support members distributed along the wall length. By dividing the support function across multiple discrete vertical elements rather than relying on single continuous braces, the system reduces localized stress concentrations at any single point while collectively providing comprehensive wall support.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system for straightening and/or supporting a wall is provided. The system includes a joist spanner system that may be attached to an elongated vertical member positioned to abut a wall. The joist spanner system may include an inner bracket and an outer bracket in slidable or telescopic communication with one another. The inner bracket and outer bracket may each include a slot or track to provide slidable or telescopic adjustment of the spanner system. The slot or track may also provide an adjustable point for attaching the spanner system to the elongated vertical member. The inner bracket and outer bracket may also each include an end plate configured to be positioned to abut opposing joist members. The end plates may also include one or more apertures configured to receive a fastener for securing the spanner system to opposing joist members.