Conical Spacer Extractor for Fast Removal Without Concrete Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for extracting conical spacers from concrete formworks are time-consuming and can damage the concrete, particularly when using hammers and chisels, which delays construction and may not allow for the reuse of spacers.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising a stem with a handle and a conical spacer engagement device, along with a mobile element that moves between retracted and advanced positions to facilitate easy extraction and release of conical spacers without damaging the concrete, allowing for quick and efficient removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a hammer and chisel are used to extract conical spacers, then the extraction can be performed, but the concrete wall or pillar may be damaged and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction speedVSAvoidconcrete damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized extraction tool as an intermediary device between the worker and the conical spacer. This tool includes a stem with extraction elements that engage with the spacer's geometry, allowing controlled removal without direct impact from hammers or chisels. The intermediary tool distributes forces evenly and prevents concrete damage while maintaining extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction tool is divided into functional segments: a stem for engagement, extraction elements that interface with the conical spacer geometry, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the extraction elements match the spacer's conical shape to enable clean removal without damaging the surrounding concrete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If traditional extraction methods are used, then spacers can be removed, but the process delays construction and spacers cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction timeVSAvoidspacer reuseability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables recovery of conical spacers through controlled extraction. The specialized tool removes spacers intact from the concrete formwork without damaging them, allowing the spacers to be recovered and reused in subsequent formwork applications. This transforms the traditional approach where spacers were discarded after single use into a reusable resource system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction tool is designed to engage with the conical spacer geometry before removal begins. The extraction elements are pre-configured to match the spacer's shape, allowing immediate engagement and controlled extraction without trial and error or multiple attempts, thus saving construction time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If simple extraction tools are used, then the device complexity is low, but the extraction process is slow and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction simplicityVSAvoidextraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction tool is designed with universal applicability to work with standard conical spacers used in concrete formwork. The stem and extraction elements are configured to engage with the typical geometry of these spacers, making the tool broadly useful across different construction applications while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10934726B2Extractor for extracting conical spacers in concrete walls or pillars and associated method

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 RIVESTOP SYSTEM SL

AI summary

According to one embodiment an extractor is provided that comprises a stem with a handle at one end and a conical spacer engagement device cooperating with the conical spacer for extracting it from the concrete wall at the other end. The extractor also comprises a mobile element which is displaceable by a user along the stem between a retracted position to which the mobile element is moved in order to contribute to the extraction of the conical spacer, and an advanced position to which the mobile element is moved in order to push the conical spacer, releasing it from the conical spacer engagement device. When the conical spacer engagement device is fixed to the conical spacer, then the mobile element is moved to the retracted position, the corresponding conical spacer being extracted. The mobile element is then moved again to the advanced position, releasing the conical spacer from the conical spacer engagement device.