Modular Screed Guide Assembly with Removable Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing screed guide/control joints in concrete slabs are laborious, time-consuming, and inefficient, particularly when dealing with varying slab thicknesses and the presence of vapor barriers or steel decks, and they do not address the need for a more aesthetic joint.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a modular assembly system with large and small-profile screed guide/control joints, featuring a snap-fit design and adjustable clip system that allows for precise alignment and leveling, using a tubular cap member for rebar engagement and a removable longitudinal cap for creating a recessed control joint, enabling efficient placement and aesthetic finish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional methods (rebar stakes, clips, concrete mounds) are used to position screed guide/control joints, then the joints can be installed in various conditions, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The screed guide/control joint assembly is designed with pre-integrated components (screed guide, control joint, and mounting clips) that are assembled before installation. The clips are pre-attached to the screed guide base, eliminating the need for separate positioning and attachment steps during installation. This preliminary assembly of components directly reduces installation time and labor while maintaining ease of operation through the simplified single-unit installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single clip design is used to accommodate multiple profiles, then inventory needs are reduced, but the clip must be more complex to fit different profiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with multiple profilesVSAvoidclip design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clip is designed as a universal component that can accommodate both large-profile and small-profile screed guide/control joint bases. The clip features an open channel structure with adjustable retention mechanisms that adapt to different base dimensions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple clip types in inventory while the modular, standardized geometry keeps the design relatively simple rather than overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3059346B1Assembly for the placement of concrete, including a screed guide/control joint
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 OMNIPLAST
  • EP3059346B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3059346B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3059346B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly for the placement of concrete, said assembly including a screed guide/control joint (100) having a linear shape and comprising a base member (102) and two walls (118, 120) extending upwardly from the base member and joined at an apex, forming a generally triangular-shaped longitudinal cavity (134). The screed guide/control joint also comprises an extension member (126), vertically extending upwards from the apex; and the assembly also comprises a longitudinal cap member (130) able to be removably fitted onto said extension member, so as to provide a removable height extension to the screed guide/control joint.