Removable Conduit Molds for Foundation Hole Pre-casting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for creating conduit holes in building foundations are costly and cumbersome, involving core drilling which is expensive and can be damaged by rebar, and subsequent sealants deteriorate over time, leading to loose connections.

Innovation Solution

A pre-casting system using lightweight conduit molds with rubber surfaces and cylindrical shapes, integrated into concrete molds around the foundation, allowing for poured concrete to form conduit holes without drilling, and later removing the molds to install conduits without damaging the foundation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If core drilling is used to create conduit holes after foundation setting, then conduit holes can be created in hardened concrete, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit hole creationVSAvoidconstruction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit holes are formed as voids within the concrete during the pouring process itself, rather than drilling them after the concrete has hardened. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent core drilling operations, significantly reducing both cost and time while maintaining precise conduit hole placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If core drilling is used to create conduit holes, then conduit holes can be created in hardened concrete, but the process becomes cumbersome and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit hole creationVSAvoidconduit hole creation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If sprayed foam or cement is used to complete the conduit seal, then costs are reduced, but the seal deteriorates or cracks over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing costVSAvoidseal durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit mold itself serves a dual function: it defines the conduit hole during pouring and then becomes the permanent sealing element. The rubber material provides inherent waterproofing and flexibility, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials like sprayed foam or cement that deteriorate over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If rebar is present in the foundation wall, then structural strength is improved, but core drill bits are damaged and their life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation wall strengthVSAvoidcore drill bit durability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit holes are formed as voids within the concrete during the pouring process itself, rather than drilling them after the concrete has hardened. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent core drilling operations, so rebar presence does not affect drill bit durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11560726B2Method and device for pre-casting conduit holes in building foundations

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 CONTI TOMMASO

AI summary

A method of constructing multiple conduits in building foundations that eliminates the process of core drilling after the foundation has been poured and set. This method creates optional openings for possible future connections. The process uses removable conduit molds installed before the foundation is poured. Once the foundation has set, conduit molds are removed to explose conduits in the foundation as needed.