Collapsible Concrete Form With Hinged Panels for Easier Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete forms become wedged tightly together due to the weight of the concrete, making it difficult to remove the first form, and subsequent forms are easier to remove once the first form is stripped.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible form system with hingedly coupled inner panels and outer flanges that can transition between a deployed and collapsed arrangement, allowing easier separation from form sections by changing shape to create additional space for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid concrete forms are used, then the forms provide stable support during concrete pouring, but the forms become wedged tightly together due to concrete weight making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The form incorporates hinges that allow it to transition from a rigid stable structure during pouring to a flexible collapsible structure during removal. The hinges enable the form to bend and collapse under its own weight, facilitating easy separation from the cured concrete without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The form is divided into multiple panels connected by hinges, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation allows each panel to move independently during collapse, enabling the form to break apart cleanly from the concrete surface and be removed in manageable sections.
2Ease of operation
If the form structure is made collapsible with hinges, then the form becomes easier to remove, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinges are designed to be simple pin connections that allow natural collapse under gravity. The dynamic capability is achieved through minimal mechanical complexity - the hinges passively respond to applied forces without requiring motors, sensors, or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible form utilizes the weight of the form itself and the force of gravity to drive the collapse mechanism. When removal is initiated, the form's own mass provides the force needed to bend the hinges and collapse the structure, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex actuation systems.
3Ease of operation
If the form panels are made movable relative to each other, then the form can collapse for easier removal, but the structural strength during concrete pouring may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections are designed with appropriate stiffness characteristics - rigid enough to maintain structural integrity during the static loading of concrete pouring, but flexible enough to allow controlled collapse when removal forces are applied. The hinges transition from a rigid load-bearing connection to a flexible articulation point.
Solution Approach 2:
The form is designed and pre-assembled with hinges in the correct configuration before concrete pouring begins. The hinge pins are securely installed and the form geometry is verified to ensure proper load distribution. This preliminary preparation ensures the form maintains strength during pouring while being ready for controlled collapse during removal.
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
Facilitates easy removal of concrete forms by allowing the collapsible form to change shape from a deployed to a collapsed configuration, reducing the effort required to separate it from the concrete structure.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of inner panels hingedly coupled to one another and a pair of outer flanges... A first one of the pair of outer flanges is hingedly coupled to a first one of the pair of inner panels
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible concrete form includes a pair of inner panels hingedly coupled to one another and a pair of outer flanges configured to abut a pair of adjacent form sections. A first one of the pair of outer flanges is hingedly coupled to a first one of the pair of inner panels and a second one of the pair of outer flanges is hingedly coupled to a second one of the pair inner panels. The collapsible concrete form further includes a handle protruding from one of the pair of inner panels or a hinge coupling the pair of inner panels. The handle is operable to move the pair of inner panels and the pair of outer flanges between a deployed arrangement in which the pair of inner panels are collinear and a collapsed arrangement in which the pair of inner panels are askew.