Slab Bolster Coupling with Flexible Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slab bolster systems lack a readily releasable locking mechanism that allows elements to move apart, which is essential for easy disassembly and reconfiguration during concrete reinforcement processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism featuring a male blade with a notch and a female receptacle with a flexible mounting and a manually depressible member, allowing the blade to be locked and unlocked by flexing the mounting and moving a projecting portion out of the notch, enabling the elements to be easily connected and disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking mechanism is provided to lock the blade in the female receptacle to hold the elements together, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the locking mechanism is not readily releasable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic releasable state through the flexible mounting. The projecting portion can flex away from the blade's notch when force is applied, allowing the blade to be removed from the female receptacle. This dynamic capability enables both strong connection during use and easy disassembly when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mounting changes the physical state of the projecting portion from rigid to flexible, allowing it to deform and move away from the notch. This parameter change in flexibility enables the locking mechanism to be both secure during normal operation and easily releasable when required, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If a manually depressible member is added to release the locking mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manually depressible member is integrated with the projecting portion through the flexible mounting, combining the locking function and the releasing function into a single unified mechanism. When the depressible member is actuated, it transfers force through the flexible mounting to move the projecting portion out of the notch, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mounting acts as a self-contained mechanism that automatically translates the depression of the manually depressible member into movement of the projecting portion. The system uses its own flexible mounting structure to achieve the releasing action without requiring external tools or complex additional components, balancing ease of operation with minimal added complexity.
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 solution provides a secure yet easily releasable connection for slab bolster elements, facilitating efficient assembly and disassembly, ensuring proper support of reinforcing bars and filler material during concrete pouring.
Implementation Method 1
the projecting portion being carried by a flexible mounting on female coupling of the second element which can flex to cause the projecting portion to move in a direction away from the side surface of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
Two slab bolster elements having rails supported on legs for carrying rebar during casting are connected end to end by a blade for sliding longitudinally of the rail into a female receptacle and a releasable locking mechanism which acts to lock the blade in the female receptacle. The locking mechanism comprises a notch on one side surface of the blade and a projecting portion of the female receptacle engaged into the notch. The projecting portion is carried on the female receptacle by a portion which can flex to cause the projecting portion to move away from the side surface of the blade. The female receptacle includes a manually depressible member on a side of the female receptacle opposite the projecting portion which when depressed provides motion toward the female receptacle which causes the projecting portion to move out of the notch.