Concrete Panel Stop Hinge Rotary Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing molded concrete slabs for dry screed or floor covering, particularly in gas stations, require time-consuming and labor-intensive laying processes due to tongue and groove connections that necessitate pushing and can damage edges, and have difficulties with demolding and high reject rates.

Innovation Solution

The concrete mold slabs feature a tongue edge and groove edge designed as a stop hinge, allowing smooth insertion through a rotary movement without the need for linear pushing, reducing noise and edge damage, and incorporating spring bars and support webs for secure connection and easy demolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tongue and groove connection is made by linear pushing, then panels can be connected, but it requires free space, is forceful and noisy, and damages panel edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaying processVSAvoidedge damage and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional linear pushing motion into a rotary insertion motion. The tongue edge rotates into the groove edge rather than being pushed linearly, which eliminates the need for free space, reduces noise, and prevents edge damage while maintaining secure panel connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motion parameter from linear translation to rotary movement. The tongue edge is designed with a rotational path that allows it to swing into the groove edge, transforming the laying operation into a quieter, less forceful process that doesn't damage panel edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If deep grooves are cast in molds, then tongue and groove connection is achieved, but demolding is difficult and reject rate is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint connectionVSAvoiddemolding process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the groove edges and tongue edges, designing them with rounded contours rather than sharp edges. This curvature allows the panels to be easily demolded without damage and reduces the reject rate, while still providing effective tongue and groove connection when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If panels are laid with free space for pushing, then connection is possible, but laying distance is required and edge areas are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel connectionVSAvoidlaying distance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the requirement for laying distance by inverting the connection method from linear pushing to rotary insertion. The tongue edge rotates into the groove edge without requiring free space, allowing panels to be laid edge-to-edge without damage or time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If tongue edge is pushed linearly into groove edge, then panels connect, but it requires force and free space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel connectionVSAvoidpushing force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the forceful linear pushing action with a gentle rotary insertion motion. The tongue edge swings into the groove edge through rotation, achieving secure connection with minimal force and without requiring free space for the pushing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3779046B1Moulded concrete panel for dry screed or floor covering
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 LITHONPLUS
  • EP3779046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3779046B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3779046B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a concrete formwork panel (10) for laying a floor covering, in particular as dry screed or as a petrol station floor covering, with a length (L), a width (B) and a height (H), wherein at least on two opposite edge edges (30, 32) a tongue edge (30) with a tongue rib (14) and a groove edge (32) with a hinge groove (16) are formed to create a butt joint (12) with an adjacent concrete formwork panel (10) in the manner of a tongue-and-groove connection. It is proposed that the tongue edge (30) and the groove edge (32) be designed in the manner of a stop hinge, so that at a butt joint (12) the tongue edge (30) of a concrete formwork panel (10) can be inserted into the groove edge (32) of an adjacent concrete formwork panel (10) without impact by means of a rotational movement.In subordinate aspects, the invention relates to a dry screed surface or a paved surface consisting of a plurality of the aforementioned laid concrete form panels, (10) and a pallet assembly of these concrete form panels (10).