Modular Lift Bracket System for Building Foundation Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting and stabilization systems for building foundations require a large inventory of piers and pilings with varying diameters, cross-sectional shapes, and lengths, and often need to be extended, which complicates assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular lift bracket system and pier system that includes a lift plate, a cylindrical housing, gussets, and modular piling collars with helical augers, allowing for adjustable length and cross-sectional adaptation of pilings, and a method of attaching a lift bracket and cap to a pile using support bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional piers and pilings with varying diameters, cross-sectional shapes, and lengths are used, then the system can adapt to different ground conditions and building requirements, but the inventory complexity and number of parts that must be kept on hand increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The piling system is divided into modular segments that can be assembled in different configurations. The piling comprises a first section and a second section that can be connected together, allowing the system to achieve various lengths without requiring a complete set of different-length pilings in inventory. This segmentation enables adaptability while reducing inventory complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to universally connect different piling sections regardless of their specific dimensions. The coupling includes a coupling body with a coupling bore that can receive different piling section configurations, and a fastening mechanism that secures them together. This universal coupling design allows a single coupling type to work with multiple piling configurations, reducing the variety of parts needed.
2Reliability
If piers are driven deeper into the ground than anticipated, then adequate stabilization is achieved, but the need to extend piling length requires additional parts and complicates assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The piling system is designed to be dynamically extendable rather than fixed in length. The coupling mechanism allows piling sections to be connected or disconnected as needed, enabling the system to adapt to varying ground conditions during installation. This dynamic capability allows deeper driving when necessary without requiring pre-planned extension kits, simplifying the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling components are pre-designed with alignment features and fastening mechanisms that facilitate quick connection of piling sections. The coupling body includes a coupling bore and fastening structure that can be readily assembled to extend the piling, allowing extension to be performed as a preliminary or on-demand action rather than requiring complex field modifications.
3Device complexity
If the lifting assembly is made adjustable and modular, then the number of parts in inventory is reduced and assembly is simplified, but the structural strength and stability during lifting must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assembly is segmented into modular components including a lift bracket, coupling, and piling sections. This segmentation allows the same structural strength to be achieved through proper connection of standardized modules rather than requiring custom-designed strong components for each application, reducing inventory while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting assembly utilizes composite construction where the lift bracket, coupling body, and piling sections work together as a composite structure. The coupling includes a coupling bore and fastening mechanism that creates a composite connection between piling sections, distributing loads across multiple components to maintain overall structural strength while using standardized parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift bracket system for lifting a building structure such as a foundation and the like comprising a lift plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface for insertion under the building structure; a generally cylindrical housing affixed to the lift plate and extending perpendicularly from the top surface and the bottom surface of the lift plate, the housing defining a generally circular opening through the lift plate, the opening being disposed away from the center of the lift plate; and at least one gusset for supporting the lift plate, the gusset having a first end and a second end, the gusset disposed beneath the lift plate, wherein the first end of the gusset is attached to the bottom surface of the lift plate and the second end of the gusset is attached to the housing.