Reversible Cambered Lintel for Masonry Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post and lintel construction techniques lead to lintel deflection and sagging over time, resulting in costly and labor-intensive repairs, as existing devices lack a reversible cambered angle lintel solution for restoring old or installing new lintels.
Innovation Solution
A lintel lift system featuring a cambered angle lintel with support columns and lift bolts that can be reversed to stabilize and support sagging lintels, allowing for the installation of new lintels or repair of existing ones by adjusting the horizontal flange to engage with the existing lintel, using materials like steel, plastic, or carbon fiber for reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional post and lintel construction techniques are used, then the structure is simple and effective, but the lintel deflects and sags over time requiring costly repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by creating a reversible lintel system where the angle lintel can be rotated 180 degrees. Instead of designing a single-use lintel that deflects over time, the system inverts the approach by making the entire lintel assembly reversible and replaceable, transforming a maintenance problem into a simple rotation and replacement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by designing the angle lintel to be easily removed and replaced after its service life. The lintel is recovered through the reversible connection system, allowing the same component type to be reused in a new position, reducing waste and repair costs while maintaining structural reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reversible cambered angle lintel is implemented, then old lintels can be restored or new construction can be installed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the support columns and connection system to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable reversible lintel installation, allow for lintel rotation, and facilitate both new construction and restoration of old lintels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for different purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the lintel system into discrete, modular components: the angle lintel itself, the support columns, the connection brackets, and the fastening system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, installed, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while enabling versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal support apparatus and method are provided for use with any structure having a horizontal span, including but not limited to doors, garages, and windows. The horizontal support apparatus may include two support columns, a lintel that is configured to be attached to the support columns, and that includes a vertical flange and a horizontal flange. The apparatus may include two lift bolts coupled to two end portions of the horizontal flange. The two lift bolts may be configured to respectively raise the two end portions of the horizontal flange. The apparatus may include two rotatable lift nuts that, when rotated, raise the lift bolts to engage and raise the two ends of the horizontal flange.