Stackable Rebar Chair with Universal Clip for Concrete Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reinforcement devices for poured concrete are not multifunctional, stable, and versatile enough to accommodate different cross-section sizes of rebar and wire mesh, often requiring multiple devices for various sizes and heights, and can be unsightly when used in tilt-up construction, leading to alignment and finishing issues.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional device with a sturdy I-beam or E-beam construction and octagonal base, featuring a clip with biasing mechanisms to securely grip and position rebar or wire mesh of different sizes, allowing for easy stacking and interconnection, and a design that minimizes visibility when concrete is poured and cured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single reinforcement device is designed to accommodate multiple cross-section sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple cross-section sizes of reinforcement materials through adjustable clip mechanisms. The base includes multiple attachment points and the clip can be positioned at different locations along the chair stem, allowing a single device to serve multiple functions for different rebar and wire mesh sizes.
2Productivity
If chairs are made stackable and interconnectable, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is divided into distinct modular segments: a base portion, a stem portion, and a clip portion. Each segment has standardized connection interfaces that enable easy stacking and interconnection. The base of one chair can connect to the stem of another, creating stable stacked configurations for multi-level reinforcement without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the base is minimized for tilt-up construction, then harmful factors are reduced, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base design extracts only the essential functional elements needed for stability while removing unnecessary material that would create visible protrusions on the concrete surface. The base incorporates recessed connection points and a streamlined profile that minimizes its visual presence after concrete curing, while maintaining sufficient surface area and structural integrity to provide stable support for the reinforcement materials.
Data Source
AI summary
Multifunction device for positioning reinforcing materials within poured concrete comprising: an octagon-shaped base, with alternative alignment guides, for supporting the device on a supporting surface, an I-beam, or alternatively back-to-back E-beam, construction post with struts extending to the base, and a multifunction clip comprised of a saddle having a plurality of uprights extending therefrom and defining orthogonally-oriented sockets of differing dimensions adapted for clipping onto and positioning reinforcing materials a pre determined distance above the supporting surface. The multifunction clip further comprises means for allowing biasing of the uprights adapted for insertion and releasable retention of reinforcing materials in the sockets, the uprights of the multifunction clip further comprise attachment prongs, and the base of each multifunction device preferably comprises receptacles adapted for allowing alternative interconnected stacking of a plurality of the same identical devices for layered reinforcing of thicker concrete pours.