Adjustable Pier and Beam Leveling Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pier and beam foundations often become uneven due to settling and shifting of construction materials or ground, leading to tilting, sagging, and stress on structural components, as they do not rest directly on the ground, creating a crawl space that can result in uneven distribution of weight.
Innovation Solution
A leveling apparatus comprising a bottom plate, cylindrical rods with external threading, nut fasteners with internal threading, and a top plate, allowing for adjustable height adjustment between the plates to level the floor by redistributing weight from the beam to the pier and ground, using washers to distribute force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pier and beam foundation is used to create crawl space and utility access, then accessibility to utility lines is improved, but the foundation becomes susceptible to uneven settling and shifting causing structural stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable leveling devices as intermediary components between the piers and beams. These devices include threaded rods, nuts, and adjustable plates that act as mediators to compensate for pier settlement and maintain beam levelness, thereby preserving foundation reliability while keeping the crawl space configuration for utility access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable leveling devices with threaded mechanisms that allow changing the height parameter of beam support. By adjusting the threaded rods and nuts, the system can compensate for varying pier heights caused by settling, maintaining proper structural alignment without requiring direct ground contact
2Strength
If piers are set deep into the ground to bear structure weight, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but piers become subject to ground shifting and settling causing uneven beam heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamically adjustable leveling devices between piers and beams. The threaded rods and nuts allow for ongoing adjustment of beam height as piers settle over time, converting a static foundation system into one that can adapt to changing pier heights while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable leveling devices serve as intermediary elements that decouple the beam support function from direct pier height dependency. These devices absorb height variations through adjustment mechanisms, protecting the overall foundation composition from instability caused by pier settling
3Ease of operation
If the foundation does not rest directly on the ground with crawl space underneath, then utility line access is improved, but weight distribution becomes uneven leading to floor tilting and sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjustable leveling devices with threaded adjustment mechanisms that allow precise control of beam support height. This parameter adjustment capability enables compensation for uneven weight distribution in crawl space foundations, maintaining floor levelness while preserving utility access benefits
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise leveling of pier and beam foundations, accommodating uneven piers and beams, reducing stress on structural components and preventing foundation damage by allowing for adjustable height adjustments between the bottom and top plates.
Implementation Method 1
The leveling apparatus may include a bottom plate that rests on the pier and a top plate that supports the beam. The bottom plate and the top plate may be separated by threaded rod. The user may rotate one or more nut fasteners to adjust the height between the bottom plate and the top plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A leveling apparatus many be used for building new construction or for releveling an existing structure. A user may place a leveling apparatus between a pier and a beam of a pier and beam foundation. The leveling apparatus may include a bottom plate that rests on the pier and a top plate that supports the beam. The bottom plate and the top plate may be separated by threaded rods. The leveling apparatus may be sufficiently small that it may fit between the pier and beam in situations where space may be limited. The user may rotate one or more nut fasteners to adjust the height between the bottom plate and the top plate. Adjusting the separation between the plates can result in leveling of a floor by adjusting the spacing between a beam and the ground.