Modular Rebar Support Tower and Base for Concrete Forms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rebar support systems lack a simple and effective solution for providing minimal component parts that can extend the functionality and range of applications in forming rebar grids on different surfaces, such as concrete forms and granular surfaces, with inadequate adaptability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A rebar support system comprising a tower and a base, each capable of supporting rebars at predefined heights, with the tower designed for minimal contact on concrete forms and the base for granular surfaces, allowing for secure and detachable assembly to form multilevel rebar grids, featuring intersecting passages, bidirectional arches, and saddle formations for rebar reception, along with hook receptacle and guide ridges for manual attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary rebar support device is used for placement on granular surfaces, then the device provides stable support on gravel beds, but it cannot be used on solid surfaces such as concrete forms
Solution Approach 1:
The rebar support device is divided into two separate components: a tower component and a base component. The base component is designed for granular surfaces with a broad footprint for stability, while the tower component is designed for solid surfaces with minimal contact points. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific surface type while maintaining overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower component is designed with universal adaptability to work with both base components (granular-optimized and solid-optimized bases). The tower includes interchangeable feet that can be configured for different surface types, and the saddle formation at the apex provides universal rebar support functionality regardless of the base type used.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rebar support device with multiple component parts is used to provide versatility for different surfaces, then the device can be configured for both granular and solid surfaces, but the number of components and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower component and base component are designed to connect through simple interlocking mechanisms with hook receptacles and guide ridges. This merging approach allows two functional components to work together as a unified support system without requiring complex assembly procedures or additional fastening hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms (hook receptacles and guide ridges) are integrated directly into the tower and base structures themselves, rather than being separate components. This extraction of connection functionality from separate parts reduces the total number of components while maintaining the ability to assemble and disassemble the support device.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tower component has extensive contact with the concrete form, then stability is improved, but the footprint on the concrete structure increases causing more damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tower feet are designed with localized contact points that concentrate the support force on small areas of the concrete form. The tapered geometry of the feet provides sufficient stability through point contact rather than distributed contact, minimizing the footprint and potential damage to the concrete structure while maintaining tower stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A rebar support system used in the reinforcement of concrete structures is disclosed, comprising a rebar support tower and a rebar support base, individually capable of holding rebar members at a predefined height within a range of possible heights, the two further capable of acting together in tower-base duplex fashion in the formation of multilevel rebar grids. The rebar tower has four legs between which there are defined two intersecting passages, the legs being open-ended at the bottom and forming bidirectional arches at the top of said intersecting passages, said rebar tower further having a saddle foil cation at its apex. The rebar tower provides a tapered and angled foot profile at the bottom of each leg to minimize the area of contact when used with a concrete form, thereby reducing rebar support footprints after form removal. The rebar base comprises a platform with centrally rising bidirectional saddle formations, the intersecting passages and saddle formations of tower and base providing means for receiving the intersecting segments of rebars which are normal to each other. Locking insert hooks and guide tabs incorporated in the rebar base, and hook receptacles, guide ridges and restraining surfaces incorporated in the rebar tower provide complementary means for the attachment of the two structures to form a rigid, yet detachable tower-base assembly in multiple rebar grid configurations. The rebar base provides a stable support means when used individually or in tower-base assemblies on granular surfaces, such as sand or gravel beds.