Screed Hook Collar and Set Screw for Glove-Friendly Height Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screed hooks require manual torque application with a separate tool and often necessitate removing protective gloves, limiting ease of use and efficiency in setting the hook height against stakes.
Innovation Solution
The screed hook features an elongated collar with a laterally directed set screw and a handle attached to the set screw, enhancing frictional force and allowing manual torque application with gloved hands, along with a sight window for alignment and optional ribs for structural reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a narrow set screw is used to secure the hook to the stake, then the device structure remains simple, but the frictional force is insufficient and manual tightening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the set screw from the lateral portion to the elongated collar, utilizing the vertical dimension of the collar to create a longer moment arm for torque application. This dimensional change allows workers to apply greater tightening force more easily while the elongated collar geometry increases the frictional contact area with the stake.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated collar serves as an intermediary element between the set screw and the stake. It provides both a longer lever arm for torque application and an extended surface area for frictional contact with the stake, mediating between the tightening mechanism and the securing function.
2Power
If a separate handheld tool is used to tighten the set screw, then sufficient torque can be applied, but the process becomes more complex and requires removing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the set screw function with the collar structure by integrating the screw directly into the elongated collar body. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate adjustment tools, allowing workers to tighten the set screw manually with their fingers or gloved hands, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining sufficient torque application capability through the extended collar geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated collar with integrated set screw enables the device to be self-adjusting and self-securing. The design allows direct manual operation without requiring external tools or specialized equipment, making the tightening process self-serviceable and simplifying the overall device operation.
3Ease of operation
If the set screw is positioned close to the hook body, then the structure remains compact, but the moment arm for torque application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the collar in the vertical dimension away from the hook body, creating a longer moment arm for torque application. This dimensional extension provides both the mechanical advantage needed for easier tightening and the structural support for increased frictional contact with the stake.
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
This design increases the frictional force for holding the hook in place, simplifies the placement process, and eliminates the need for a separate tool, enhancing the speed and ease of use while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the frictional force for holding the screed hook in place on the stake may increase
Implementation Method 2
a laterally directed force is exerted at the pinch point between the set screw and the stake
Data Source
AI summary
A screed hook apparatus includes a tubular collar having an opening through a sidewall thereof. A tubular retainer member is aligned with the opening on the collar and extends away from an outer surface of the collar. The retainer member has a threaded internal wall surface. The apparatus also includes an arm forming a hook shape. The arm has a first portion extending away from the collar and a second portion extending transverse to a direction of extension of the first portion such that a surface of the second portion of the arm faces the sidewall of the collar. A set screw has a threaded portion to engage the threaded internal wall surface of the retainer member, and a handle is attached to the set screw.