Screw Jack Ceiling Support for Plaster Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting plaster ceilings during restoration work, such as using crude props and scaffolding, often cause additional damage due to excessive pressure and instability, leading to potential collapse, especially in historic buildings with delicate decorations.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a screw jack and jack base system attached to scaffolding pipes, allowing for precise adjustment and secure support of plaster ceilings using a contact pad with adjustable padding to distribute force evenly, minimizing damage and ensuring stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If crude props and padded boards are used to support plaster ceilings, then support is provided, but excessive pressure is applied causing additional damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using adjustable screw mechanisms to precisely control the support force applied to the ceiling. Instead of fixed rigid props, the invention allows continuous adjustment of the support parameters (force, position) to match the actual structural needs, thereby providing adequate support without excessive pressure that could damage delicate plasterwork.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms static rigid props into dynamic adjustable supports. The screw jack mechanisms allow the support system to adapt its configuration and applied force based on the actual ceiling conditions, enabling workers to fine-tune the support characteristics to prevent damage while maintaining structural integrity.
2Area of stationary object
If large padded boards are used to support the ceiling, then support area is increased, but the ceiling becomes obscured from view
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the support system into multiple small distributed points rather than using a single large board. Multiple screw jack supports are positioned at different locations across the ceiling, providing adequate distributed support area while maintaining clear visibility of the ceiling surface between the support points.
3Length of moving object
If excessively long props are used to reach high ceilings, then reach is increased, but flexibility increases reducing support security
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into modular components including telescopic or adjustable-length legs with multiple sections. This allows the support length to be adjusted to match the specific ceiling height while maintaining adequate structural rigidity through the segmented design, avoiding the excessive flexibility of single-piece overly long props.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamically adjustable support lengths through telescopic mechanisms or adjustable legs. Rather than using fixed excessively long props, the system allows precise length adjustment to achieve the necessary reach while maintaining optimal structural stiffness and stability for each specific installation scenario.
4Ease of operation
If scaffolding is installed to support workers, then worker access is enabled, but deflections are transferred to the ceiling supports causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from the scaffolding structure itself. Rather than relying on the scaffolding to provide both worker platform and ceiling support, the patent uses independent dedicated support devices mounted on the scaffolding, separating the load paths so that scaffolding deflections from worker movement do not directly transfer to the ceiling supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mounting structure (the jack base attached to scaffolding pipes) that decouples the ceiling support function from direct scaffolding floor deflections. The supports are mounted on the scaffolding framework rather than the working platform, acting as an intermediary that isolates the delicate ceiling from the dynamic loads of workers moving on the scaffolding floor.
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 device provides stable and adjustable support for plaster ceilings, reducing the risk of further damage during restoration, allowing for safer conservation work without obscuring the ceiling and accommodating various ceiling geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The support device includes a screw jack and a jack base that is configured to be attached to the superstructure
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supporting a plaster ceiling during conservation work. A plurality of the devices may be installed on a superstructure of pipes or other rigid members installed on scaffolding to provide for a network or pattern of supporting devices in some installations. The supporting device includes a screw jack and a jack base that is configured to be attached to the superstructure, which in some cases includes horizontal pipes. The jack base may, in some embodiments, be symmetrical top to bottom so as to be useable on either side of a pipe and easily rotatable to either position.