Modular Masonry Lintel System for CMU Wall Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for temporarily supporting concrete masonry bond beam blocks across openings in masonry walls are costly and may not accommodate openings of varying sizes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A lintel system comprising a C-channel with a jamb section and a bracing section, along with a bar stock and an angle brace with threaded bolts, allows for the temporary support of concrete masonry bond beam units across openings. This system is designed to be reusable, adaptable to various opening sizes, and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If telescoping beam sections are used to bridge the gap, then the beam can span the opening, but the manufacturing and purchase cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam span lengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lintel system is divided into separate modular components: a lintel unit with C-channel, jamb sections, and bracing sections that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using standard, cost-effective manufacturing processes rather than requiring complex telescoping mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces temporary support structures (jamb sections and bracing sections) as intermediary elements that facilitate the installation of the lintel. These temporary supports enable the lintel to be installed in sections and then permanently secured, eliminating the need for expensive telescoping beams while achieving the required span length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If telescoping beam sections are used, then the beam can bridge the gap, but the purchase cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam span lengthVSAvoidpurchase cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs temporary support structures (jamb sections and bracing sections) that can be easily installed and removed. These temporary supports enable the lintel to be installed in sections and then permanently secured, eliminating the need for expensive telescoping beams while achieving the required span length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Length of moving object

If telescoping beam sections are used, then the beam can bridge the gap, but the beam may not extend far enough to support the desired width

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam span lengthVSAvoidadaptability to opening width

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lintel system incorporates adjustable components including threaded rods and clamp brackets that allow the span length to be dynamically adjusted during installation. The jamb sections can be positioned at different locations along the C-channel, and the bracing sections can be adjusted to accommodate various opening widths, providing versatility without requiring custom telescoping mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If a lintel system is installed to span the opening, then temporary support is provided, but the system must be easily removable without damage to the wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoiddamage to masonry wall

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250075520A1Masonry lintel system

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 ADENA MASONRY LLC

AI summary

Provided is a masonry lintel system containing a C-channel, bar stock, angle brace, and plurality of threaded bolts. A C-beam may rest upon the threaded bolts, allowing the C-beam to be installed to span an opening in a CMU masonry wall. The lintel system may thereby be removed from the masonry wall, after C-beam installation.