Slide-plate drop head for universal grid shoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grid shoring systems are limited in versatility and cost-effectiveness due to fixed configurations that restrict the types of beams that can be supported, preventing the use of a telescoping prop shaft and requiring multiple props for load support during concrete setting.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a slide-plate drop head system with a movable drop seat and universal rail interfaces allows for the use of interchangeable prop stands, drop heads, and stringer jacks, enabling support for various types of rails and stringers, and facilitating easy removal of concrete forms by dropping the drop seat with a hammer strike.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pin extending through the drop head is used to retain the drop seat, then the drop seat can be held in position, but the pin prevents a prop shaft from extending through the drop head, preventing telescoping assembly and height adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The drop head is divided into separate components: the pin is removed from the drop head body and instead extends from the prop shaft. The drop seat is retained by a separate retaining mechanism (retaining ring or clip) that does not obstruct the prop shaft passage. This segmentation allows the prop shaft to extend through the drop head while still providing secure retention of the drop seat.
Solution Approach 2:
A retaining ring or clip acts as an intermediary element between the prop shaft and the drop seat. This intermediary component provides the retention function without requiring a pin that would block the prop shaft passage, enabling both telescoping adjustment and secure seat retention.
2Strength
If seat plates have fittings specifically configured to interlock with standard manufactured beams, then secure connection is achieved, but the types of beams that can be supported are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The seat plate fittings are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of beams, not just standard manufactured beams. The fitting design includes adjustable or multi-configurable connection points that can interface with various beam types (wood, metal, different profiles), allowing the same prop system to support diverse beam configurations while maintaining secure connections.
3Reliability
If multiple props are used to support loads during concrete setting, then adequate support is provided, but the number of required props increases system cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The upper drop head and lower seat are combined into a single integrated assembly where the lower seat is fixed to the upper drop head. This merging allows a single prop to perform the function of multiple separate support elements, reducing the total number of props needed while maintaining adequate load support capability throughout the concrete setting process.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal prop system for grid shoring provides increased versatility and cost effectiveness over conventional grid shoring systems for building construction, such as concrete parking garage construction. The universal props include a variety of interchangeable prop stands, interchangeable drop heads, and interchangeable stringer jacks with a variety of different types of stringer heads. The interchangeable drop heads interconnects the interchangeable stringer jacks with the interchangeable prop stands. The interchangeable drop heads are designed to support a variety of different types of rails, such as beams, joists, rafters, pipes, etc. The interchangeable stringer jacks include a number of different stringer heads configured to support a variety of different stringers. The different stringer heads include, for example, U-heads, spindle forks and jack plates, with and without detachable threaded shafts.