Adjustable Curb Forming Bracket with Modular Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools lack efficiency and ease of use for forming and pouring complex, angular concrete foundations, particularly for do-it-yourselfers, as they are not designed to handle various shapes and existing surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A forming and pouring system comprising adjustable brackets and spacers that anchor formboards, allowing for precise formation and pouring of complex shapes such as freestanding curbs, walks, edging, and decorative patterns, using ground anchors and metal stakes for stability, with components that can be easily assembled and reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional forming tools are used for complex concrete foundations, then the tools can handle basic straight forms, but they cannot effectively handle various complex shapes and angular designs
Solution Approach 1:
The forming system is divided into modular components including adjustable brackets, formboards, and ground anchors that can be independently configured. Each bracket can be adjusted to different angles and positions, allowing the system to adapt to complex shapes without requiring entirely different tooling for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration during the forming process. The formboards can be positioned at various angles and the brackets can be adjusted to accommodate different curvature requirements, enabling the same basic toolset to handle straight, curved, and angular forms.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional forming tools are used, then the setup process is simple, but the accuracy and precision for complex shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-configured brackets with built-in angle markings and alignment features that are prepared in advance. The formboards come with pre-drilled holes and attachment points that facilitate precise positioning before the concrete pour, ensuring accuracy without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during the forming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustments with simpler positioning mechanisms. Instead of requiring precise manual alignment during forming, the brackets and formboards use pre-engineered attachment systems with built-in alignment features that ensure accurate positioning through straightforward mechanical connection.
3Ease of operation
If specialized tools for each shape are used, then the precision for that specific shape is high, but the overall system becomes too complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is designed as a universal forming tool that can create multiple shape types including straight curbs, arced walks, and angular patterns using the same basic components. By adjusting the bracket positions and formboard configurations, a single toolset can accomplish work that traditionally required multiple specialized tools, making the system both versatile and easy to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
A curb/walk forming bracket has two half brackets connected to form a spacer/bracket. Each half bracket has a main body with an outer fin and an inner fin for attachment to form boards. A top bend extends from the main body and has a guide hole for placement of a stake. A lower guide hole or formed surround extends from the main body and is vertically aligned with the top guide hole. Slots or slotted holes run the length of the top bend of the main body of each half bracket with the slots or slotted holes accommodating fasteners for connecting the two half brackets so as to form an inverted “U” shape when placed for forming in an upright position. Holes are provided in the main body of each half bracket for fastening stakes for ground anchorage. Holes along each inner fin of each half bracket allow fastening to the form boards. The curb/walk forming bracket can be adjusted to different widths with variable widths achieved by overlapping the half components, moving them back and forth and fastening at the desired width.