Plank Lifting Assembly with Biasing Ridges for Split Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plank lifting devices lack sufficient leverage to prevent splitting of planks and are limited in their usefulness once some planks have been removed, as they do not effectively engage and remove nails or provide adequate support for subsequent plank removal.
Innovation Solution
A plank lifting device with a plate and attached legs, featuring biasing ridges and a panel that facilitates lever action and nail engagement, allowing for the removal of planks using adjacent planks or joists, and includes a handle for ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a wrecking bar type structure with rounded heel and chiseled edge is used, then the device can engage and remove nails, but it does not provide enough leverage to prevent planks from splitting
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a head portion with biasing ridges for leverage, a body portion with a notch for nail engagement, and a handle portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the biasing ridges provide leverage to lift planks without splitting, while the notch engages and removes nails separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing ridges in the head portion are formed with curved surfaces that provide mechanical advantage and leverage. The curved geometry allows the ridges to effectively lift and pivot planks during removal, distributing force to prevent splitting while maintaining sufficient lifting capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple plank lifting device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it is limited in usefulness once some planks have been removed
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with multiple functions: the head portion with biasing ridges provides leverage for lifting planks, the body portion with notch engages and removes nails, and the handle provides ergonomic operation. This multi-functionality allows the single device to effectively remove planks at different stages of deconstruction, including when adjacent planks or joists are available for leverage.
3Strength
If adequate leverage is provided to prevent splitting, then planks can be lifted without splitting, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the leverage function into the head portion with biasing ridges, separate from the nail engagement function in the body portion. This segmentation provides adequate leverage to prevent splitting while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved biasing ridges provide mechanical leverage through their geometry alone, eliminating the need for additional complex mechanical components. The curvature naturally provides the lever arm needed to lift planks without splitting while maintaining structural simplicity.
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
The device provides effective leverage to lift planks without splitting and allows for efficient removal of nails and subsequent planks, enhancing the usability of the device in flooring and decking deconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The outer surfaces at the junctures are convexly arcuate to facilitate a lever action of the distal ends being lifted upwardly as the plate is tilted rearwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A plank and tile lifting assembly includes a plate that has a lower end and a pair of legs is attached to the lower end such that the legs extend forward of the plate. The legs are spaced from each other. A pair of biasing ridges is attached to the rear side of the plate and extends to and beyond a juncture of the plate and the legs. The biasing ridges each have an outer surface that are convexly arcuate to facilitate a lever action of the legs being lifted upwardly as the plate is tilted rearwardly. A panel is attached to the lower end of the plate and has an opposite free edge. The panel extends downwardly from the lower end a distance less than the biasing ridges extend downwardly from the free edge. A handle is attached to the plate.