Screed Hardware System for Membrane-Protected Concrete Grade Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining accurate grade or elevation across large areas of concrete surfaces is challenging due to the fluid nature of wet concrete, and existing methods may damage membranes used to prevent moisture intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A screed hardware system comprising a peel-and-stick base, adjustable post, and cap that can be securely attached to a membrane without piercing it, allowing for precise adjustment and use as a grade marker to ensure uniform concrete pouring and screeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional grade markers or sight rods are used to maintain elevation during concrete pouring, then grade accuracy can be achieved, but the membrane used to prevent moisture intrusion may be damaged or punctured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a floating grade marker system that uses a floatable object with a marked elevation indicator as an intermediary between the membrane and the concrete pouring process. This floatable marker provides accurate grade reference without requiring piercing or direct contact that would damage the membrane, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and membrane protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical grade markers (sight rods, stakes) that require insertion into the ground or membrane with a floatable grade marker system that uses buoyancy to maintain position. This substitution eliminates the mechanical piercing action that damages the membrane while preserving grade measurement accuracy
2Manufacturing precision
If wet screeding is performed manually using hand floats and sight rods, then grade control can be achieved on small areas, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive for large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large concrete pouring area into multiple floating grade markers distributed across the surface. Each marker independently provides grade reference for its local zone, allowing parallel screeding operations across multiple segments simultaneously, thus improving productivity while maintaining grade control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The floatable grade markers are designed to self-position and self-stabilize on the concrete surface through buoyancy and floating mechanics. They automatically maintain their elevation reference without requiring continuous manual adjustment or support, enabling workers to focus on screeding operations rather than marker management, thereby improving overall efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables accurate and efficient screeding of concrete surfaces while maintaining membrane integrity, facilitating uniform grade maintenance across large areas without puncturing the membrane.
Implementation Method 1
a base, an adhesive member, a post, and a cap member
Data Source
AI summary
A method including placing a screed hardware unit upright on a surface. The hardware unit includes a base and a post. The base is fastened on the surface such that the post extends vertically from the base. The method further includes adjusting a height of the hardware unit so as to be consistent with a desired grade. Concrete is poured up to and/or around the hardware unit, and the concrete is screeded at the grade indicated by the height of the hardware unit.