Radial Post Bracing for Plumb Placement in Concrete Forms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing nominally sized wooden posts during the process of encasing them in concrete or foam are cumbersome and costly, requiring above-ground bracing and do not provide adequate lateral and vertical support, leading to potential movement and structural instability.
Innovation Solution
A radial support brace system comprising adjustable components that are permanently attached to the post within the excavation, providing lateral and vertical stability by attaching to the post and the form or hole walls, eliminating the need for above-ground bracing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If above-ground bracing is used to secure posts during concrete encasement, then post stability is improved, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bracing function from above-ground placement and relocates it entirely within the excavation. The radial support braces are positioned inside the hole, attaching to the post and the excavation walls, eliminating the need for above-ground bracing structures while maintaining post stability during concrete encasement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from vertical above-ground bracing to radial in-hole support. By positioning braces at multiple radial distances from the post within the excavation and using adjustable arms, the system provides stability through a different spatial dimension - radially outward from the post to the excavation walls - rather than vertically above the post.
2Reliability
If traditional bracing methods are used, then post security is improved, but material costs and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radial support braces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide lateral support to the post, prevent post rotation, maintain post vertical alignment, and secure the post to the excavation walls. This multi-functionality reduces the total quantity of separate bracing components needed compared to traditional methods that require multiple specialized braces.
Solution Approach 2:
The braces incorporate adjustable arms with locking mechanisms that allow dynamic positioning during installation to accommodate varying post sizes and excavation dimensions, then lock into fixed positions to provide reliable security. This adjustability reduces material waste and simplifies installation compared to fixed-brace systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If intermediate support is provided within the excavation, then post placement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into modular radial braces that can be independently positioned at different distances from the post and at different heights. Each brace is a separate adjustable unit with locking mechanisms, allowing precise positioning and independent adjustment to achieve the desired post placement precision without requiring a complex monolithic support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A support system and method for securing vertical centered placement of various nominally sized wooden posts within a cylindrical form within the soil or within a cylindrical hole alone comprises a plurality of spaced apart adjustable post support braces formed from a plurality of radial support braces. The radial support braces each have a first component that has a body section configured for attaching the first component to a wooden post. Each radial support brace has a second component that has a first section configured for supporting the second end of the first section in abutment against a peripheral inner wall of the form or hole and configured to cooperate with the second end of the first component to permit longitudinal movement of the first and second components. Each radial support brace is further configured to lock the first component in position relative to the second component.