Adjustable Form Body for Curvilinear Concrete Voids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional forms for molding drainage channels and architectural features are cumbersome, expensive, and environmentally impactful due to the need for multiple sections, extensive waste generation, and the difficulty in creating curvilinear features, as well as the expense and environmental impact of manufacturing and transporting single-use forms.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable forms made from lightweight, buoyant materials like expanded polystyrene, featuring a surface coating that prevents adherence to moldable compositions, allowing for reusable configurations in both planar and non-planar shapes, which can be easily manipulated and resized on-site to form various shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional forms are used to mold drainage channels, then the predetermined shape can be maintained, but extensive waste is generated that must be disposed of in landfills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by designing forms that can be removed and reused after the concrete cures. The forms are not discarded after single use but are recovered and used again for subsequent drainage channel installations, significantly reducing waste generation while maintaining the predetermined shape of each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating adjustable forms that can be configured to create drainage channels of various lengths, widths, and cross-sectional shapes. A single form system can mold multiple different drainage channel configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized forms and reducing overall waste.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional forms are used to mold drainage channels, then the voids can be formed with predetermined configuration, but the forms must be destroyed or damaged during the forming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by designing forms that are deliberately made removable rather than being destroyed during the forming process. The forms are recovered after the concrete cures and can be reused for subsequent drainage channel installations, transforming a single-use disposable system into a reusable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable form components that can be configured and reconfigured for different drainage channel specifications. The forms are not static single-purpose molds but dynamic, adaptable structures that can be adjusted to create various void configurations while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If conventional forms are used to mold drainage channels, then the releasing agent application is required, but this process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the form surfaces with a release agent before the concrete is poured. This preliminary coating ensures that when the form needs to be removed, the concrete does not adhere to the form, allowing for quick and easy form removal without requiring additional time-consuming application steps at the removal stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through form designs that incorporate built-in release mechanisms or surface treatments that automatically prevent adhesion. The forms are designed to self-release the cured concrete without requiring extensive manual intervention or additional releasing agent applications during the removal process.
4Manufacturing precision
If single-use forms are manufactured and transported, then the drainage channels can be formed, but the expense and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating adjustable forms that can be configured to create drainage channels of various lengths, widths, and cross-sectional shapes. A single form system can mold multiple different drainage channel configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized forms and reducing overall waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by designing forms that can be removed and reused after the concrete cures. The forms are not discarded after single use but are recovered and used again for subsequent drainage channel installations, significantly reducing waste generation while maintaining the predetermined shape of each channel.
5Shape
If conventional forms are used to create curvilinear architectural features, then the features can be molded, but it is particularly difficult to build the forms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable form components that can be configured and reconfigured for different drainage channel specifications. The forms are not static single-purpose molds but dynamic, adaptable structures that can be adjusted to create various void configurations while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the form system into modular, adjustable components rather than requiring monolithic custom-formed structures. This segmentation allows curvilinear and complex architectural features to be built by assembling and configuring standardized form segments, significantly reducing the difficulty of form construction.
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
This solution reduces waste, lowers manufacturing and transportation costs, and enables efficient on-site adaptation, allowing for the creation of complex shapes while minimizing environmental impact and enabling the reuse of form components.
Implementation Method 1
the form comprises a surface coating
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of grooves being structured such that the form body may be configured into a non-planar shape corresponding to the predetermined configuration of the void
Implementation Method 3
the form body is made of a lightweight, buoyant material
Data Source
AI summary
A form for forming a void or an architectural feature of a predetermined configuration in a moldable forming composition is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide an adjustable form body having first and second sides, said form body configurable between a first substantially planar position and a second non-planar position. In some embodiments, the form comprises a surface coating. A form body according to example embodiments of the invention has a plurality of grooves.