Adjustable Steel Form Frame Preventing Concrete Footing Blowouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for laying rebar in concrete and maintaining form positions are prone to blowouts and inward curvature of form edges, leading to costly rework and safety hazards, especially with large forms and aluminum forms, due to inadequate strength and adjustability of wooden spacers and metal clips.
Innovation Solution
A steel frame assembly with adjustable cross members, mounting points, and hooks that securely extend between inner and outer form walls, preventing bowing and blowouts, and allowing for easy setup and reuse across various form widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wooden spacers and metal clips are used to maintain form positions, then the forms are constrained, but they lack sufficient strength for large forms and are not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The form constraint system is divided into separate components: a form bridge that spans between forms, support stakes driven into the ground, and connecting hardware. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the bridge provides strength while the stakes provide anchorage, and the modular design enables reusability across different form configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The form bridge assembly is designed as a universal system that can be used with forms of various widths and materials (wooden or aluminum forms). The adjustable nature of the connection points and the standardized stake interface allow the same basic assembly to serve multiple functions and adapt to different construction scenarios, replacing the need for form-specific constraint devices
2Stability of the object's composition
If wooden spacers and supporting stakes are used to prevent form movement, then form stability is improved, but labor intensity increases and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The form bridge is pre-assembled with all connection hardware and support stakes prepared before the concrete pour begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for workers to repeatedly adjust or reposition constraint devices during the pour, reducing labor intensity and minimizing the risk of accidents from last-minute adjustments under pressure
3Force
If metal clips are used to clip between form walls, then form constraint is achieved, but they lack necessary strength for large forms and are not adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The form bridge incorporates localized reinforcement at critical stress points where it contacts the form walls, while maintaining a lighter overall structure. The connection hardware is specifically designed with adjustable features at the form interface while having fixed-strength support stakes for anchorage. This local differentiation allows the system to provide high constraint force where needed while maintaining adjustability for different form widths
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete structure forming device, comprising: a frame assembly, comprising; a cross member having a first end and a second end, wherein the cross member at least one first connector positioned on a top side of the cross member, a first receiver connected to the first end of the cross member, wherein the first receiver is designed to receive a form, and a second receiver connected to the second end of the cross member, wherein the second receiver is designed to receive a form and is substantially parallel with the first bracket; and a hook, comprising; a handle, wherein the handle has a second connector designed to connect with the first connector of the cross member, and a hook extending from the handle in a predetermined direction relative to the handle, wherein the hook is designed to receive a reinforcement member.