Rebar Support with S-Shaped Retainer Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rebar spacer systems face challenges in accommodating various rebar sizes, securing rebars to the chair, and preventing rusting, especially when dealing with mutually perpendicular layers and multiple sizes required for different concrete thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing bar support system featuring a base with a channel and clamping structures on either side, using S-shaped retainer members that can snap-fit around rebars, providing a stable and corrosion-proof solution that can be easily manufactured and used on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If twisted wire is used to secure rebar to the chair, then the rebar can be attached to the spacer, but the wire components are susceptible to rusting and decomposing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metal wire (which rusts and decomposes) with a plastic tie that is inexpensive and disposable. The plastic tie is inserted through a slot in the chair and wrapped around the rebar, providing secure attachment without the corrosion problems of metal wire. After use, the plastic tie can be discarded rather than requiring maintenance or replacement due to rust.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different sized spacers are maintained to accommodate different concrete thicknesses, then various spacer sizes can be accommodated, but the complexity of inventory and selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable legs with feet that can be positioned at different heights and angles. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single spacer design to accommodate various concrete thicknesses and surface conditions, eliminating the need to maintain multiple different sized spacers in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is designed with universal adaptability through its adjustable leg mechanism and slot configuration. The same spacer unit can serve multiple functions: adjusting to different heights, accommodating various rebar sizes, and working with different surface types, thereby replacing multiple specialized spacer variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single chair supports both first and second layers of rebar in perpendicular orientations, then the chair can secure multiple rebars, but the method of securing becomes more complex with multiple wire strips required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rebar securing function into separate slots for different rebar orientations. The first slot accommodates the first layer rebar while the second slot accommodates the second layer rebar perpendicular to the first. This segmentation allows each slot to be independently adjusted and secured, simplifying the overall process compared to using multiple wire strips.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic tie acts as an intermediary element that simplifies the connection between the chair and perpendicular rebar layers. Instead of requiring multiple wire strips, a single plastic tie can be used to secure both layers by wrapping around the rebars and engaging with the slot structure, reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base so as to define a channel formed in an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on the opposite side of the channel, and a rebar retainer positioned between the clamping structures for retaining the rebar in the channel. The rebar retainer includes first and second retainer members movable between a first position spaced away from each other and a second position overlying a portion of the rebar when the rebar is placed in the channel. Each of the retainer members has a generally S-shaped cross-section configuration.