Porch Post Support with Gripper Base and Open Cross-Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process for installing porch posts is inefficient and costly due to the need for temporary beams, which require specialized tasks, multiple worker trips, and material waste, as permanent posts are installed after concrete curing, necessitating the removal of temporary beams.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising a body with a ground end and post end, featuring a base with grippers, sidewalls with apertures, and open cross-members that allow for direct pouring of concrete, eliminating the need for temporary beams and providing structural support before and after concrete curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If temporary beams are used to support the porch roof during construction, then structural support is provided, but worker trips increase and material waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temporary support function with the permanent post installation process by using the same structural element (support post with aperture) for both temporary roofing support during construction and permanent post installation, eliminating the need for separate temporary beams and reducing worker trips
Solution Approach 2:
The support post serves multiple functions: it provides temporary structural support for the porch roof during construction, serves as the permanent support post after concrete curing, and includes an aperture that accommodates both the temporary roofing structure and the final permanent installation, thereby eliminating the need for separate temporary beams
2Strength
If temporary beams are used to support the porch roof during construction, then structural support is provided, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temporary support function with the permanent post by using the same support structure for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate temporary beams that would be discarded as waste material
Solution Approach 2:
The invention eliminates the need to discard temporary beams by designing a system where the support post serves as both the temporary support during construction and the permanent post after installation, thereby recovering what would otherwise be wasted material
3Strength
If permanent posts are installed after concrete curing, then structural support is provided, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing the support post with the aperture in place before the concrete is poured, so that the post is already positioned and ready for final installation once the concrete cures, thereby reducing the overall installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The support post is installed in advance with the aperture configured to receive the permanent post, allowing the permanent post to be quickly inserted after concrete curing without requiring additional positioning or alignment work, thus reducing installation time
Data Source
AI summary
A support for installing a porch post comprises a body. The body includes a ground end and a post end opposite of the ground end. A base is disposed on the ground end of the body. Two or more sidewalls extend from the base toward the post end. One or more open cross-members extend between the two or more sidewalls. The ground end may include a ground surface comprising grippers or stanchions extending away from the ground surface for securing the support with the ground.