Dome Formwork and Tube Coupling for Stable Ventilated Crawl Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for constructing ventilated crawl spaces and elevated platforms face static issues due to inadequate coupling of upper floor slabs, unusual load conditions, and differential subsidences, necessitating complex and expensive on-site operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising dome-shaped formwork elements connected via overlapping side edges and associated with vertically arranged tubular elements, using interconnection means to form a channeled receptacle for concrete pouring, creating a trellis-like structure with excellent static characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional systems use simple tube-supported formwork without coupling mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but static stability deteriorates due to inadequate coupling of upper floor slabs and inability to resist horizontal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing coupling mechanisms at the base of vertical supports before the concrete structure is fully loaded. The coupling means are pre-installed on the tubes to connect adjacent tubes laterally, creating a bracing structure that prevents differential subsidence and resists horizontal forces from the outset, rather than adding complexity after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coupling system into modular coupling means that can be independently attached to individual tubes and then interconnected. This segmentation allows the coupling mechanism to be simplified into discrete, manufacturable components rather than requiring a complex integrated system, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining static stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If chemical adhesives and reinforcement perforation are used to anchor columns, then static stability is improved by preventing differential subsidence, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to expensive and complicated on-site execution
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are designed to be attached to tubes in advance during manufacturing or pre-assembly, rather than requiring complex chemical adhesive application and reinforcement perforation during on-site construction. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for expensive and complicated on-site chemical anchoring operations while achieving the same static stability goal of preventing differential subsidence.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means appear to be designed as simple, potentially disposable mechanical components that can be easily installed and removed, replacing the need for permanent chemical adhesive anchoring. This mechanical coupling approach is cheaper and simpler to execute on-site compared to chemical adhesive methods, while providing adequate static stability for the application.
3Length of stationary object
If the height of the system is increased to create elevated platforms, then the volume and functionality are improved, but static stability worsens due to increased free inflexion height and susceptibility to horizontal forces
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-installing coupling mechanisms at the base of vertical supports, the patent creates a bracing structure that provides lateral stability before the full height structure is loaded. This preliminary bracing allows the system to achieve greater heights while maintaining static stability, as the coupling means prevent excessive lateral deflection and reduce the effective free inflexion height of the tall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the height-stability contradiction by adding a lateral dimension to the structure through coupling means that connect adjacent tubes horizontally. This creates a three-dimensional bracing system where horizontal connections provide lateral support to vertical elements, enabling greater heights while maintaining stability through spatial distribution of forces across multiple dimensions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for forming ventilated crawl spaces or interspaces or elevated platforms (1) which comprise dome-shaped formwork elements (2) supported on supporting tubes (8); the ventilated crawl space or interspace or elevated platform (1) comprises first and second interconnection means (10, 57), which communicate with each other, the first interconnection means (10) also communicating with the lower end (9) of the supporting tubes (8) so as to form a channeled receptacle (48), which rests on a foundation or on a surface (37), such channeled receptacle (48) being adapted to receive a concrete casting to form a beam for connection between the supporting tubes (8).