Pliable Liner Notch Pivot Joint for Concrete Column Form Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for vertically forming concrete columns face challenges in retaining uncured concrete within the mold and easily removing the form after curing, leading to issues like concrete seepage and premature failure of form panels due to stress and repeated use.

Innovation Solution

A system using pliable liners with notches to create a pivotable joint between end and side walls, allowing for easy removal of the form from the cured concrete column, and U-shaped forms with securing structures to retain the concrete within the mold cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If corner panels are rigidly coupled together into a 90° angle to prevent concrete seepage, then concrete seepage is reduced, but the panels must be forcibly spread apart after curing which causes stress and premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcrete seepageVSAvoidpanel durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The corner joint is designed with a pivotable connection that allows the panels to rotate from a closed 90° position during pouring to an open position for removal. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need to forcibly spread rigid panels, preventing stress damage while maintaining sealing effectiveness during the pouring process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The corner joint is divided into separate panel components connected by a pivot mechanism rather than being rigidly coupled as a single unit. This segmentation allows independent movement of each panel while maintaining the integrity of the corner structure during pouring, and enables easy separation after curing without damaging either the concrete or panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If corner panels are rigidly coupled to prevent concrete flow, then concrete containment is improved, but removal of panels after curing requires great stress which damages the panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcrete containmentVSAvoidpanel removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable corner joint transforms from a static rigid connection to a dynamic mechanism that automatically transitions from a closed sealing position during pouring to an open removal position after curing. This eliminates the need for forceful panel separation while maintaining precise concrete containment throughout the pouring process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the corner panels, providing a controlled movement path that allows the panels to transition from a sealed state during pouring to a separated state for removal. This intermediary mechanism protects both the concrete and panels from damage while enabling easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If U-shaped mold forms are used to define corner structures, then corner strength is improved, but repeated cycling of the mold structure results in premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorner strengthVSAvoidmold reuse duration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable corner joint allows the U-shaped mold to be easily opened and closed through controlled rotation rather than requiring forceful separation. This dynamic mechanism reduces stress on the mold structure during repeated cycling, extending the service life of the mold while maintaining corner strength during the pouring process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism enables the corner panels to be easily separated and reused without damage after each cycling operation. Instead of accumulating damage from forceful separation, the panels can be cleanly detached, inspected, and reused multiple times, extending the duration of action of the mold structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS8573556B1Vertical concrete column form and method of forming same
Publication Date: 2013.11.05 VERTI-CRETE LLC
  • US8573556B1 patent drawing
  • US8573556B1 patent drawing
  • US8573556B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A form for creating a pattern in uncured concrete during a vertical column casting process includes an end wall and at least one side wall, extending from an edge of the end wall with the side wall and end wall cooperatively defining a corner therebetween. A pliable liner is attached to the end wall and the side wall and operably joins the side wall to the edge of the end wall to define a mold cavity. At least one patterned surface is formed on or in the pliable liner and is operable to form a corresponding pattern into concrete disposed in an uncured form in the old cavity. A notch is formed in the pliable liner and extends along the corner and forms a pivotable joint between the end wall and the side wall to facilitate removal of the form device from about the concrete after the concrete has at least partially cured.