Wall Straightening System Using Cinch Plate Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foundation reinforcement systems are inadequate as they often require significant excavation, are prone to failure due to varying soil types, and occupy interior space, limiting functionality and aesthetics, especially when dealing with lateral forces from expansive soils and hydrostatic pressure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongated vertical and horizontal structural members with cinch plates that apply compressive forces to straighten and support walls without exterior soil excavation, allowing for adjustable reinforcement that maximizes interior space and is aesthetically pleasing, using a grid-like configuration to distribute loads evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wall anchoring systems anchor walls to stable soil outside the wall, then lateral forces are counteracted, but significant excavation of surrounding earth is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dependency on exterior soil by relocating the anchoring function entirely inside the wall cavity. Steel I-beams are positioned vertically within the wall space, with feet extending into the basement and top sections bearing against the foundation wall, eliminating the need for exterior excavation while maintaining wall stabilization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional anchoring approach by placing support elements inside rather than outside the wall. Instead of anchoring from the exterior soil through the wall, the system uses interior-mounted steel beams that push against the wall from within, reversing the direction of the support force application
2Strength
If braces extend diagonally from the floor to the foundation wall, then lateral loads are supported, but interior space of the room is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the support structure from the horizontal plane (diagonal braces across room space) to the vertical dimension (steel I-beams extending from floor to ceiling within the wall cavity). This dimensional relocation allows lateral load support without encroaching on interior room space, as the beams are contained within the wall's vertical envelope
Solution Approach 2:
The steel I-beams are nested within the wall cavity space, utilizing the existing wall volume for structural support. The beams fit within the wall's interior volume, with their width and depth contained within the wall thickness, effectively nesting the support structure within the building's existing spatial envelope
3Strength
If braces are spaced at a predetermined distance, then structural support is provided, but lateral loads are localized at midpoints between support members
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is segmented into multiple zones by spacing steel I-beams at predetermined intervals along the wall length. Each beam creates a distinct support zone, dividing the continuous wall into manageable segments that can be independently supported, reducing the span between support points and distributing stress more evenly across the wall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines vertical steel I-beams with horizontal steel channels that span between adjacent vertical beams. This merging of vertical and horizontal elements creates a grid-like bracing system where loads are distributed across multiple intersection points rather than concentrated at single locations, reducing localized stress at midpoints
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 system effectively stabilizes and straightens walls by applying compressive forces between structural members, reducing localized stress and allowing for installation without disrupting landscaping, while minimizing the intrusive effect on interior space and providing a non-invasive solution to foundation reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
A compressive force applied between the driving member and the wall can vertically support the elongated horizontal member
Implementation Method 2
Horizontal structural members can be supported by a compressive force between a driving member and the wall. The adjustment of the driving member forces the horizontal structural member to move relative to the vertical structural member, which forces the wall into a desired position.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved a system for straightening and/or supporting a wall is provided. The system includes an elongated vertical member and an elongated horizontal member positioned to abut the wall. The elongated horizontal member has a first end and a second end, the former being positioned adjacent to the elongated vertical member. A cinch plate having at least two plates is provided. One of the plates is connected to the elongated vertical member. A driving member can be movably coupled to the other plates of the cinch plate and configured to force the elongated horizontal member to move relative to the elongated vertical member. Movement of the elongated horizontal member applies a corresponding force to the wall. The elongated horizontal member may not be connected to the elongated vertical member, but rather a compressive force applied between the driving member and the wall can vertically support the elongated horizontal member.