Water-Soluble Admixture Film for Surface Concrete Retarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering concrete admixtures to surface portions of concrete are inefficient, requiring separate pre-measuring steps and are not time-insensitive, as they can deteriorate during storage or application, and do not effectively address the time-sensitive nature of concrete production.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device comprising a water-soluble film with a removable protective liner, containing an admixture, which is attached to formwork using an adhesive layer, allowing for precise and time-insensitive application of admixtures to concrete surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (painting, rolling, spraying) are used to apply admixture to formwork, then surface portions of concrete can be treated differently from bulk concrete, but the admixture amount cannot be accurately controlled and requires separate pre-measuring steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the admixture, the delivery vehicle (film), and the application mechanism into a single integrated device. The water-soluble film contains the admixture within its structure, eliminating the need for separate measuring and application steps. When the film contacts concrete, it automatically delivers the precise amount of admixture incorporated in its formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The film is designed to be self-applying through its water-soluble nature. When placed on or near the concrete surface, the film automatically dissolves in the presence of moisture, releasing the admixture directly onto the concrete without requiring external application equipment or manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If water-soluble containers or pockets are used to deliver admixture, then pre-measured amounts can be delivered, but the containers are time-sensitive and subject to dissolution or deterioration during storage, transportation, or application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and physical structure of the water-soluble material to create a film with controlled solubility characteristics. By adjusting the polymer composition, cross-linking density, and film thickness, the film's dissolution rate is optimized to remain stable during storage and transportation while still dissolving reliably when exposed to concrete moisture during application.
Solution Approach 2:
The film is constructed as a composite material combining water-soluble polymers with admixture constituents. This composite structure provides both the structural integrity needed for stable storage and handling, and the controlled water-solubility required for reliable admixture release during concrete application.
3Loss of time
If admixture is added immediately before or during mixing, then time-sensitivity requirements are met, but the entire batch of concrete is affected rather than just the surface portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the admixture locally to the surface portion of concrete through a film that is placed only on the exposed surface or formwork facing the surface. This ensures that the admixture effect is confined to the surface layer where the film contacts the concrete, while the bulk concrete remains unaffected. The local application is achieved without requiring immediate timing, as the film can be applied in advance and remains stable until concrete contact.
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
Enables accurate and weather-resistant delivery of admixtures, providing extended retarding times, enhancing construction flexibility and reducing health risks associated with traditional application methods.
Implementation Method 1
the water in the concrete to dissolve the film and release the admixture into the concrete
Implementation Method 2
the means to attach the delivery film to the formwork comprises an adhesive layer applied to an adhesive support film
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device for concrete admixtures, in the form of a film of water-soluble material, having a concrete admixture incorporated within the film. The film can be attached to a formwork for concrete and has a protective layer, which is removable to allow the water in the concrete to dissolve the film and release the admixture into the concrete. The film contains the required quantity of admixture and is weather-resistant and substantially time-insensitive.