U-Channel Panel Bracket with Telescopic Strut Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for positioning upright panels in multi-storey building construction require extensive crane usage, making the process time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for iterative adjustments before pouring an elevated slab.

Innovation Solution

A positioning apparatus comprising a U-shaped channel base secured to a safety screen assembly or building structure, with a rail and telescopically adjustable strut system allowing for precise lateral and vertical adjustments, enabling the panel to be accurately positioned without relying on cranes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a crane is used to position upright panels, then positioning capability is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a base for mounting to the building structure, a support structure for holding the panel, and adjustment mechanisms for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the time required for panel positioning while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including threaded rods for fine positional adjustments and telescopic struts for length adjustments. These dynamic elements enable the panel to be precisely positioned and then locked in place, achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring prolonged crane operation. The adjustable nature allows for quick adaptations during the positioning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If iterative positioning adjustments are performed, then positioning precision is achieved, but crane availability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine positioning accuracyVSAvoidconstruction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is designed to provide preliminary coarse positioning through its mounting and support structure, bringing the panel close to the desired position. This preliminary action reduces the scope of subsequent fine adjustments needed, minimizing the time the crane must remain engaged while still achieving the required positioning precision for concrete pouring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the crane's mechanical positioning function with a dedicated positioning apparatus that has built-in adjustment mechanisms. The threaded rods and telescopic struts provide mechanical adjustment capabilities that are more precise and easier to control than crane-based positioning, allowing multiple adjustment iterations without tying up the crane for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a dedicated positioning apparatus is implemented, then positioning speed increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning apparatus is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different panel sizes and types. The base can be mounted to various building structures, and the support structure can adjust to different panel dimensions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high positioning speed across different applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus employs a nested structure where the support is positioned within the support structure, which in turn is mounted on the base. The adjustment mechanisms are integrated within this nested arrangement, with threaded rods and telescopic struts contained within the structural framework. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a compact configuration, reducing overall complexity while enabling fast positioning through coordinated adjustment of the nested components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2893103B1A panel support bracket
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 FORM 700 PTI LTD
  • EP2893103B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2893103B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2893103B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a positioning apparatus for an upright panel of a building, the apparatus comprising a base adapted to depend from a structure associated with the building or construction thereof, a support for an edge of the panel, and a positional adjustment means depending from the base which provides for positional adjustment of the support relative to the base. A system for positioning a precast panel which incorporates the apparatus, along with methods for using the apparatus and method are also disclosed.