Deformable Formwork Panel for Curved Concrete Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for constructing concrete pool walls using permanent formwork blocks are limited to producing straight or right-angled walls, making it difficult to create curved sections, which are aesthetically desirable but challenging to achieve with current technologies.

Innovation Solution

The development of formwork plates with deformable material folds that allow for bending, enabling the creation of curved wall sections of variable radii by assembling multiple plates with vertical and horizontal interlocking members, maintaining a constant concrete wall thickness without internal grooves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional permanent formwork blocks are used to construct concrete walls, then the structural integrity and straight wall production are ensured, but the ability to create curved sections is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved wall production capabilityVSAvoidformwork block rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork plate is segmented into multiple plies (first ply, second ply, third ply) that can deform independently. This segmentation allows the rigid formwork structure to achieve curvature through coordinated deformation of individual plies, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The formwork plate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where plies can be selectively deformed. The removable nature of plies and their ability to be positioned at different distances from the reference surface enables the formwork to adapt to curved wall geometries while maintaining structural integrity during concrete pouring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple plies are used in the formwork plate, then curved wall sections can be produced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved wall production capabilityVSAvoidformwork plate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork plate is divided into multiple plies that can be independently positioned and removed. This segmentation allows complex curved geometries to be achieved through simple repositioning of individual plies rather than redesigning the entire formwork structure, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plies are pre-configured in a standard formwork plate assembly, allowing curved wall sections to be produced by simply removing and repositioning specific plies before concrete pouring. This preliminary configuration reduces on-site complexity while maintaining the ability to create various curved geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If the formwork plate is made rigid for structural stability, then it cannot be deformed to create curves, but making it flexible compromises the structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved wall geometryVSAvoidformwork plate strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork plate is segmented into multiple plies that can be selectively deformed. This allows the overall structure to maintain rigidity where needed while enabling localized deformation in specific plies to create curved geometries, thus preserving both strength and shape flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the formwork plate have different properties - the overall structure maintains rigidity for structural integrity while specific plies are designed to be removable and repositionable, creating local flexibility. This local quality differentiation allows curved geometries to be achieved without compromising overall structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables the easy and secure production of concrete walls with curved sections of varying radii, enhancing aesthetic appeal while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing costs through the use of lightweight, molded plastic materials.

Implementation Method 1

the rectangular panel comprises at least one ply of material formed between at least two said assembly members and extending along a straight line over the entire width or length of the rectangular panel, said at least one fold constituting a privileged zone of deformation in bending of the formwork plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2453067B1Permanent formwork panel and permanent formwork block comprising such a panel

Publication Date: 2016.03.16 TOUT POUR LEAU PRAT

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AI summary

The casing plate (3) has vertical interlocking members and horizontal interlocking members (11) formed at edge of a rectangle panel (4) to allow vertical and horizontal interlocking of assemblies of the casing plate and another casing plate (2) and/or expendable casing blocks (1) obtained by the assembly, where the former casing plate is made of molded or injected plastic material. Material plies (9) formed in the panel are extended along a straight line perpendicular and parallel to the edge of the panel having the members.