Wall Straightening Bracket System for Basement Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing damaged walls, such as those cracked or bowed due to hydrostatic pressure or freezing, often rely on soil anchors which fail in varying soil types and require additional hardware for pressure maintenance, and are not suitable for non-concrete framing materials, leading to costly replacements and space occupancy issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using brackets secured to the basement floor and joists, with beams and jacks to apply adjustable pressure in both vertical and horizontal directions, minimizing space and allowing for gradual wall straightening without external anchoring, suitable for concrete or framing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soil anchors are used to pull the wall back into position, then the wall can be straightened, but the system fails in varying soil types and requires additional hardware for pressure maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the soil anchor component entirely, extracting the unreliable external anchoring system from the wall straightening process. Instead of relying on soil anchors that fail in varying soil types, the invention uses internal structural elements (joists, beams, and cross-members) to provide the necessary support and straightening force, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware to maintain pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system that works on both concrete walls and framed walls using the same basic mechanism of brackets, beams, and cross-members. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for different systems for different wall types, reducing overall hardware complexity while maintaining reliability across various construction materials.
2Reliability
If conventional indoor supporting devices are used, then the wall can be supported and straightened, but they occupy a large amount of interior space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the cross-member is positioned within the space between the wall and the beam, and the plate is nested against the cross-member. This nested configuration allows the support system to be compact and minimize the occupation of interior space while maintaining structural reliability through the integrated arrangement of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by securing brackets to joists in the floor above the basement, thereby utilizing three-dimensional space rather than solely occupying horizontal interior space. This dimensional approach allows the support system to be more compact and less intrusive in the usable interior area.
3Reliability
If framing materials are replaced due to warping or dislocation, then the wall can be repaired, but it causes extensive modifications to the existing structure and substantial cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing the bracket and beam system before the framing materials become severely damaged or require replacement. The cross-member and plate mechanism can gradually straighten warped or dislocated framing materials over time, preventing the need for extensive repairs and modifications to the existing structure while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the wall structure to self-correct through the application of controlled pressure via the cross-member and plate mechanism. The system allows the framing materials to gradually return to their proper position and orientation, eliminating the need for costly replacement and extensive modifications to the existing structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for supporting and straightening a framed wall includes a plurality of beams, a mounting plate, a bolt, and a pusher. The mounting plate is secured to the beam and the bolt is threadably secured to the mounting plate. The bolt is received by the pusher. When tightened, the bolt applies pressure to the pusher which in turn applies pressure to the framed wall. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting plates and pushers may be used to apply pressure to a cross beam and thereby efficiently apply pressure to a plurality of framed wall beams. By tightening the bolt, the user can apply pressure to the beam and straighten or retain the wall. As the wall shifts during periods of correction, the bolt may be re-tightened to apply additional pressure to the wall.