ABS Pocket Cover with Compression Cross Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covers for precast concrete panels are prone to warping, losing strength under stress, and have poor adhesion for paint, making them ill-fitting and easily removable from the pocket.
Innovation Solution
A disk-shaped cover with projecting members and a cross wall under compression, made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, which maintains strength and position within the pocket by conforming to the pocket walls and providing excellent paint adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If known covers are used to close open pockets in precast concrete panels, then the pockets are concealed, but the covers are prone to warping and relaxing under flexural stress, becoming loose and easily removable
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is made of elastomeric material that changes its physical parameters (flexibility, elasticity) to conform to the pocket shape and maintain retention under stress. The material properties are specifically selected to prevent warping and relaxation while maintaining a secure fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover utilizes composite construction with an elastomeric material that combines flexibility, elasticity, and strength properties to achieve both proper fit and reliable retention under various loading conditions.
2Shape
If known covers are used to close open pockets, then the pockets are concealed, but the covers are constructed of weak material that relaxes under pressure and does not allow paint to bond easily
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material is specifically selected to have surface properties that promote paint adhesion. The material's chemical composition and surface energy are optimized to allow easy bonding with paint while maintaining the required mechanical properties for cover retention.
3Shape
If the cover is made of flexible material to conform to the pocket, then the cover fits well, but the cover may warp and relax under flexural stress
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material provides a composite property combination where the material is both flexible enough to conform to the pocket shape and strong enough to resist warping and relaxation under flexural stress. The material's elastic modulus and tensile strength are specifically selected to balance conformity and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for concealing an open pocket, recess or the like in a precast concrete panel following removal of a form used for positioning an anchor in the concrete panel during manufacture thereof is disclosed. The cover includes a planar or flat or substantially planar or flat top sized to cover an open pocket in a precast concrete panel, and at least one projecting member extending outward from an underside of the top of the cover. Each projecting member has two opposed end walls joined by a cross wall having a lesser height than the height of the end walls. The cross wall is positioned operatively substantially perpendicular to the two end walls of the projecting member and is operatively connected to the end walls of the projecting member. The cross wall is under compression in use and supports the end walls which have sufficient flexibility to conform to the side walls of the pocket when positioned in the pocket. In use, the cover is unconnected to any exposed anchor or other structure present in the pocket.