Telescopic Plank Bracing for Masonry Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing masonry construction methods use unstable bridges and temporary support devices to span openings, leading to structural integrity issues, pressure points, and increased risk of cracks and collapses in concrete masonry units (CMUs).

Innovation Solution

A telescopic plank and bracing system featuring a telescoping metal bridge with welded clips for secure attachment to opening jambs, paired with adjustable vertical tube braces and base plates for lateral support and stability, allowing for secure bridging of openings of varying sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional unstable bridges are used to span openings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural integrity and stability of the masonry opening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge system is divided into multiple segments that can telescope and adjust to different lengths, allowing the bridge to span various opening sizes while maintaining structural integrity. The segmented design enables the bridge to distribute loads more effectively across multiple connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge incorporates telescopic components that allow it to dynamically adjust its length and configuration based on the specific opening size and load requirements. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal structural performance for different application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-size support devices are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different opening sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge system is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple opening sizes and configurations through its telescopic mechanism. A single bridge unit can serve various functions across different masonry applications, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge incorporates adjustable parameters such as telescopic length and articulation angles that can be modified to match different opening dimensions. This parameter adjustability maintains manufacturing precision while achieving versatility across various application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If multiple different devices are used for different opening sizes, then the manufacturing precision for each device is improved, but the loss of time and storage complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic bridge serves as a universal support device that replaces multiple specialized devices. Operators can quickly adjust the bridge's length and configuration to match different opening sizes, eliminating the time required to swap between multiple devices and reducing storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250188758A1Telescopic Plank and Bracing System for Masonry Openings
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 ROWLAND NATE
  • US20250188758A1 patent drawing
  • US20250188758A1 patent drawing
  • US20250188758A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A telescopic plank and bracing system is disclosed. The system features a telescoping metal bridge designed to span horizontally across door or window openings. A welded clip is disposed at opposite ends of the metal bridge and each clip is adapted to abut against the jambs of the openings for a secure fit. A brace system is included having vertical tube braces for providing support to the metal bridge. Each brace consists of a telescoping upper component and a telescoping lower component, enabling for length adjustment to accommodate different construction scenarios. A screw sleeve positioned on each upper components secures to the bottom of the bridge and provides a stable support and connection between the metal bridge and the brace system. Base plates equipped with multiple apertures for anchoring bolts are used for providing a stable foundation to the system.